"The Best Round Yet": Araghchi Claims Major Progress Despite Deep Nuclear Chasm
The third round of intensive negotiations in Geneva has concluded with Omani mediators claiming "significant progress," though top envoys are now returning to their capitals for urgent consultations.
The marathon diplomatic session in Geneva has officially drawn to a close, ending a day of fluctuating tensions and high-pressure dialogue. While the morning was marked by a worrying three-hour pause and reports of frustration from the American side, the evening concluded on a surprisingly optimistic note. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi announced that "significant progress" had been made between the United States and Iran, confirming that the delegations will now return to their respective capitals for high-level consultations. This development suggests that while a final treaty remains elusive, the door to a diplomatic resolution has not yet been slammed shut. However, with technical experts scheduled to meet in Vienna next week, the region remains in a state of suspended animation, caught between the hope of a deal and the reality of a massive military buildup.
The Verdict from Geneva
Despite the earlier reports of disappointment from White House envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff regarding the initial Iranian presentation, the final assessment from the room was unexpectedly positive. A senior American official described the talks as "positive," noting that "details were clarified in the second round of discussions." This sentiment was echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who characterized the session as "one of the most serious we have ever held with the U.S." and "the best and most serious round yet." Araghchi claimed that the parties have moved closer to an understanding on several critical issues regarding sanctions and nuclear restrictions, though he admitted that significant disputes remain.
The Path to Vienna
The conclusion of the Geneva round marks the beginning of a frantic week of back-room diplomacy. Technical discussions at the expert level are set to begin this coming Monday, with a formal follow-up round scheduled for Wednesday in Vienna. Notably, this next phase will focus on the granular details of the agreement, such as the number of centrifuges and the specifics of uranium dilution, without the presence of top-tier envoys like Kushner, Witkoff, or Araghchi. The Omani Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the IAEA and the Swiss government for hosting the talks, emphasizing that the current momentum must be maintained to secure "fair and sustainable guarantees." While the diplomats speak of progress, the presence of American bombers and stealth fighters in the region serves as a constant reminder that these technical talks in Vienna may be the final opportunity to prevent an all out war.