FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Geneva ahead of second round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks

FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Geneva ahead of second round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a press conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, 22 June 2025.
Reuters

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Monday ahead of a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, according to Iranian state media.

The negotiations, mediated by Oman, are scheduled for Tuesday (17 February) and come after contacts resumed earlier this month following a period of deadlock. Writing on X, Araghchi said he had come to Geneva with “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal”, adding that “submission before threats” was not on the table.

During his visit, Araghchi is also expected to meet International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi. He said the discussions would include nuclear experts and focus on technical issues.

The IAEA has been seeking clarification about the fate of roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity after Israeli and United States strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. It has called for the full resumption of monitoring, including at sites damaged in the attacks such as Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Tehran says it has permitted inspections at declared facilities that were not targeted, but argues that some bombed sites are currently unsafe. An agreement announced in September aimed at restoring broader oversight was later abandoned after Western powers reinstated United Nations sanctions.

Washington maintains that high-level enrichment could provide a pathway to a nuclear weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear arms and says its programme is for civilian use.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump favours a diplomatic outcome, though he cautioned that an agreement is not assured. United States officials have said additional military assets, including a second aircraft carrier, have been deployed to the region as a precaution.

Tuesday’s meeting in Geneva is expected to test whether the renewed diplomatic effort can narrow differences between the two sides.

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