Iran’s foreign minister has described a “window of opportunity” for progress following a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva, even as regional tensions remain elevated due to military activity in the Gulf.
The discussions, mediated Oman and held at the residence of its envoy in Geneva, brought together senior representatives from Tehran and Washington. The Iranian delegation was led Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented senior envoys appointed President Donald Trump. The talks followed an earlier round held on 6 February and were framed as part of ongoing efforts to revive diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking after the meeting and later at a United Nations disarmament conference in Geneva, Araghchi said the negotiations had opened a new opportunity to reach a sustainable understanding. He expressed cautious optimism that a negotiated solution could serve the interests of all parties and contribute to broader regional stability. At the same time, he reiterated that Iran remains prepared to defend itself against any threat.
The renewed diplomatic push unfolded against a backdrop of military signalling. Iranian authorities temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic as part of live fire naval drills, citing safety concerns. The strait is a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports pass. The temporary closure heightened fears of escalation, particularly as the United States increased its military presence in the region.
A US official familiar with the talks indicated that progress had been made, though substantial details remain unresolved. According to the same official, the Iranian delegation intends to submit a more detailed proposal in the coming weeks aimed at narrowing remaining gaps. The substance of the discussions has not been publicly disclosed.
Ahead of the talks, Araghchi also met with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to discuss the agency’s role in any potential agreement. Oversight and verification mechanisms are expected to be central to future negotiations, given long standing disputes over uranium enrichment levels and monitoring access.
President Trump has previously warned that military options remain available if diplomacy fails, while also signalling openness to a negotiated framework that would limit Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran has responded that it would retaliate against any direct attack, underscoring the delicate balance between dialogue and deterrence.
The convergence of diplomatic talks and military exercises reflects the complexity of the current phase. While both sides appear willing to test renewed engagement, mistrust built over years of sanctions, withdrawals from prior agreements, and regional rivalries continues to shape the negotiations.
Energy markets and regional governments are closely monitoring developments, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Any sustained disruption could have immediate implications for global oil supply and shipping security.
As the process moves toward a potential third round of discussions, attention will focus on whether concrete proposals emerge that can translate cautious optimism into measurable steps toward de escalation and compliance.
