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Iranian FM says Geneva talks one of the ‘most serious’ discussions we had with US: Highlights
Iran said that nuclear talks with the US have progressed "very intensely and very seriously" as the two sides continued negotiations over a nuclear deal in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday.
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US-Iran tensions live updates: The third round of talks between Iran and the United States resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday evening after negotiations hit a pause earlier in the day. Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry said that both delegations needed to carry out consultations with their respective capitals, adding that they would resume talks later in the day. ...Read More
Meanwhile, tensions remained high between Iran and the US. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met with US envoy Steve Wtikoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday. Oman said that both countries are open to ‘new and creative ideas.’
As the talks are underway, Tehran has pledged “seriousness and flexibility,” saying that discussions will focus solely on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.
Ahead of the talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had reiterated that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons at all, citing a long‑standing fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against such arms.
The latest round of indirect talks comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East. Apart from the US army vessels on standby in the Gulf, dozens of US fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, have been tracked flying to the Middle East from bases in the US and Europe, according to the Military Air Tracking Alliance, an open-source analyst group monitoring military flights, reported Al Jazeera.
The two sides are attempting to break a decades-long deadlock over Iran’s nuclear programme — one that Washington, Western powers and Israel believe is aimed at developing nuclear arms. Tehran has consistently denied the charge, maintaining that its programme is for peaceful purposes.
US, Iran's diplomacy under pressure
The negotiations are unfolding against a tense backdrop. In June last year, the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites. Since then, Iran has warned it would retaliate forcefully if attacked again.
Trump, who is serving his second term as US President after winning the 2025 election, addressed the issue during his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday. He made clear that while diplomacy is his preferred path, military action remains an option.
“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy—but one thing is certain: I will NEVER allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are, by far, to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
He repeated the warning in categorical terms: “But one thing is certain. I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen.”
Trump also said Iran wants “to make a deal,” but added that Washington has yet to hear what he called the “secret words” — a firm declaration that “We will never build a nuclear weapon.”
Earlier, on February 19, Trump had set a tight timeline, saying Iran must reach an agreement within 10 to 15 days or face consequences, warning that “really bad things” would otherwise happen.
Tehran signals flexibility, but draws red lines
On the Iranian side, Araqchi has said that a deal remains possible only if diplomacy is prioritised. “A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority,” Araqchi said in a statement on X.
He has also stressed that while Iran seeks a “fair” and swift agreement, it will not give up what it describes as its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
The United States and Iran have been at odds for years over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Washington and its allies claim could lead to weapons development, a charge Iran denies.
US-Iran key nuclear talks in Geneva today: Top 10 developments so far
1. Diplomatic efforts earlier last year collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, triggering a 12-day conflict that saw the US briefly join military action against Iran’s facilities.
2. After failing to reach a deal, both sides returned to indirect talks this month, first in Oman and then in Geneva.
3. Oman’s foreign minister was mediating the negotiations on Thursday, with leaders from both countries participating, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.
4. Meanwhile, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying ships and aircraft, stoking fears of a broader conflict if diplomacy fails.
5. In his State of the Union address, President Trump accused Iran of “pursuing sinister nuclear ambitions” and claimed the country was developing missiles that could threaten Europe and potentially the US.
6. Iranian officials dismissed those missile and nuclear allegations as “big lies” and have defended their programme as peaceful.
7. US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran’s refusal to negotiate on its ballistic missile programme is a “big problem,” signalling that the US wants talks to cover more than just nuclear issues.
8. Iran faces domestic strain from economic sanctions and widespread protests, complicating its position in talks with the US.
9. While some progress in talks has been acknowledged, deep divisions remain over sanctions relief, enrichment limits and missiles.
10. According to a Reuters report on Sunday, Tehran has offered fresh concessions in exchange for sanctions relief and formal recognition of its right to enrich uranium. Yet significant gaps remain.
This live blog has now ended
US-Iran tensions live updates: Trump to meet senior team on Friday on Tehran strike options, says report
US President Donald Trump is expected to meet senior advisers on Friday for detailed discussions on Iran and to decide on a course of action toward Tehran, Israel Hayom reported, citing US officials.
Internal deliberations are focused not on whether a strike would occur but on its scope and potential targets, the report stated.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iranian army's big remark on Washington's 'war' reference
Iran's armed forces spokesman said on Thursday that the US would never have spoken of "war" if it understood the real capabilities of the Iranian army.
"The presence of the United States military in the region is part of psychological warfare and bullying," Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said.
"If Washington understood the real capabilities of Iran’s armed forces, it would never speak of war," he added.
“In the event of any conflict, American soldiers and their equipment would be destroyed, and US resources and interests in the region would come under fire from Iran’s armed forces,” he was quoted as saying by Iran International.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Qatar Airways extends Iran flight cancellations
Qatar Airways has reportedly extended temporary flight cancellations to and from Iran until June 30, 2026, according to a trade advisory notice issued by the airline.
The notice said Qatar Airways will continue operating limited daily flights between Doha and Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport during the period.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Tehran says enrichment to continue, rejects US media reports
Iran's head of the government information council said on Thursday that ongoing nuclear negotiations are "serious and technical", dismissing US media reports.
“Enrichment will continue in accordance with needs, and nothing will leave Iran; other options, including dilution, remain on the table. Iran seeks the lifting of sanctions,” Elias Hazrati posted on X.
“The media framing by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times does not align with the reality of the discussions," he added.
US-Iran tensions live updates: 'Good progress' in talks, says Iranian foreign minister
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that the latest round of negotiations between Iran and the US in Geneva made "good progress".
"We made very good progress and entered into the elements of an agreement very seriously, both in the nuclear field and in the sanctions field," Araghchi told state TV following the conclusion of the talks on Thursday.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Tehran clearly expressed its demand about sanctions, says Iranian FM
After the conclusion of the negotiations in Geneva, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran and the US will hold another round of talks in less than a week.
Araghchi told state TV that Iran "clearly expressed its demand about lifting sanctions and the process of sanctions relief".
US-Iran tensions live updates: One of the most serious talks we had with US, says Iran FM
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV said that the discussion in Geneva was "one of the most serious talks we had with the US".
US-Iran tensions live updates: Another round of discussions next week in Vienna, says Oman FM
Oman's foreign minister said that talks between Iran and the United States will "resume soon".
Badr Albusaidi said that discussions "on a technical level will take place next week in Vienna".
US-Iran tensions live updates: Geneva talks end with 'significant progress', says Oman FM
Oman's foreign minister said on Thursday that the third round of talks between Iran and the United States was over with "significant progress", adding that the technical discussions will be held in Vienna next week.
"We have finished the day after significant progress in the negotiation between the United States and Iran," Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Trump envoy, Iranian foreign minister held 'direct talks', says report
Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held "direct talks" in Geneva, Switzerland, during the third round of Iran-US negotiations, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Third round of talks resume in Geneva after pause
The third round of talks resumed in Geneva on Thursday evening after the Oman-negotiated talks hit a pause earlier in the day.
US-Iran tensions live updates: What Iran, US want as third round of talks are set to resume
US-Iran tensions live updates: The third round of talks begins in Geneva, mediated by Oman. US President Donald Trump wants a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program, and he sees an opportunity while the country is struggling at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests last month.
Iran meanwhile, has maintained it wants to continue to enrich uranium even as its program sits in ruins, following Trump ordering an attack in June on three of the Islamic Republic's nuclear sites, part of a bruising 12-day war last year.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Convoy carrying US diplomats arrive in Geneva to resume talks
US-Iran tensions live updates: Convoy carrying US diplomats in Geneva arrives to resume indirect talks with Iran, AFP reported.
US-Iran tensions live updates: What complaint has been lodged against Iran minister in Switzerland
US-Iran tensions live updates: The complaint, lodged by an Iranian-Swiss citizen, alleges an Iranian minister may have committed serious crimes under international law and calls for his arrest while he is in Geneva this week, AFP reported.
Lawyers William Bourdon and Philippine Vaganay said the deputy minister could be considered a co-perpetrator or bear responsibility as a hierarchical superior at the time of the events.
“We expect the Swiss authorities to arrest the accused as soon as possible,” the lawyers said in a statement, arguing that Swiss and international law oblige authorities to act to prevent impunity for serious crimes.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Who represented Iran,US in third round of talks in Geneva
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is representing Iran at the talks. Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer and friend of Trump who serves as a special Mideast envoy, is heading up the U.S. delegation with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The talks are again being mediated by Oman, an Arab Gulf country that's long served as an interlocutor between Iran and the West.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iran says US nuclear talks so far ‘very intense and serious’
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iran said nuclear talks with the US on Thursday progressed “very intensely and very seriously,” after they paused negotiations until early evening in Switzerland.
With days to go until President Donald Trump’s deadline for a deal, the two countries started their third round of Omani-mediated discussions in Geneva.
“We hope that going forward the discussion will focus on lifting sanctions and the nuclear issue,” Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Iranian state TV.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iran expert says positive signals on ‘decisive day’
US-Iran tensions live updates: The US delegation’s willingness to continue talks with Iran reflects a positive atmosphere on a “decisive day” of nuclear talks, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group said.
Talks are set to resume after Washington received a proposal from Tehran earlier Thursday. The meetings were behind closed doors, and details about the proposal were not disclosed.
US-Iran tensions live updates: When will talks resume between US and Iran
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iranian and US delegations have held consultations with their respective capitals during a pause in Thursday's talks which will resume around 1700 GMT, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said.
"Both delegations needed to carry out consultations with their respective capitals," Esmaeil Baqaei told state TV, adding that "the talks will resume around 17:30 or 18:00 pm local time," around 1630 to 1700 GMT.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iran proposal focused on lifting US sanctions and dealing with nuclear concerns
US-Iran tensions live updates: A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that their proposal during the indirect talks in Geneva focused mainly on the lifting of US sanctions and dealing with US concerns.
“Our proposal for a solution includes technical and practical tracks and data that prove that we do not want a nuclear weapon. Our proposal confirms that our uranium enrichment is a sovereign right and offers a temporary freeze on enrichment for a limited period,” the official said.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Fire breaks out at industrial complex in Iran's southern city
US-Iran tensions live updates: A fire broke out at an industrial complex in Iran's southern city of Abadan, on Thursday, initial reports indicate the incident took place at a plastic raw materials factory, Reuters reported citing state media.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Iranian official says nuclear deal possible if US separates issues
US-Iran tensions live updates: The United States and Iran could reach a framework for a deal if Washington separates "nuclear and non-nuclear issues", a senior Iranian official told Reuters, adding that remaining gaps need to be narrowed during a third round of talks in Geneva.
The negotiations have been intense and serious, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
US-Iran tensions live updates: US to sever Swiss bank from financial system over alleged Iran, Russia links
US-Iran tensions live updates: The US Treasury Department on Thursday proposed a rule that, if finalized, would sever MBaer Merchant Bank AG's access to the US financial system on the grounds the Swiss bank had supported illicit actors linked to Iran and Russia, Reuters reported.
The Treasury alleged MBaer and its employees had facilitated corruption linked to Russian money laundering as well as terrorist financing on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Khamenei's advisor says US carriers within range of Iran's missiles
US-Iran tensions live updates: "US carriers are within the range of our domestically produced missiles," Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said, describing the United States’ deployment of aircraft carriers to the region as costly and dangerous, Iran International reported.
"This situation has reduced the effort required by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to their threats,” he added.
US-Iran tensions live updates: Complaint filed against Iran minister for ‘crime against humanity’
US-Iran tensions live updates: A complaint has been filed in Switzerland accusing Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi of crimes against humanity linked to anti-government protests in his country in recent years, AFP reported.
The complaint, filed by an Iranian-Swiss citizen, said Gharibabadi "may have committed serious crimes contrary to international law" linked to protests over the death in custody of a woman, Mahsa Amini, the lawyers told AFP.
