Second Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks Commence in Geneva
A second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme, has commenced in Geneva, Switzerland.
These discussions follow a series of military threats against Iran related to the country's harsh crackdown on anti-government protests and the continuing disagreements concerning its nuclear activities.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One prior to the talks, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry indicated that it perceives the US stance on the nuclear issue as having shifted towards a "more realistic one."
Iran stated that Tuesday's meeting, which is being mediated by Oman, will primarily focus on its nuclear programme and the potential lifting of US-imposed economic sanctions.
Washington has previously signaled an interest in discussing additional matters, including Iran's missile stockpile.
US President Comments on Negotiations
Describing the talks as "very important," President Trump said he would be "indirectly" involved and suggested that Iran is now motivated to negotiate.
"I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump said, adding that Iran experienced the repercussions of a firm stance in talks last summer when the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
"We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," the US president stated, referring to the stealth bombers that carried out the strikes. "I hope they're going to be more reasonable."
These statements have coincided with a recent US military build-up in the Middle East.
US Military Presence Intensifies in the Middle East
BBC Verify has confirmed the location of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran using satellite imagery.
Reports also indicate that the USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, has been dispatched to the Middle East and could arrive within the next three weeks.
In addition to the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln, BBC Verify has tracked an increase in US destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets in the region.
Iran's Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog on Monday, stating in a post on X that he was in Geneva to "achieve a fair and equitable deal."
"What is not on the table: submission before threats," Araqchi emphasized.
In response to the US military build-up, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a maritime drill in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The Strait, located between Oman and Iran, is a critical international waterway and a key oil export route for Gulf Arab states.
US Diplomatic Delegation and Perspectives
The White House announced on Sunday that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have been dispatched to the region. Both participated in indirect talks in Oman earlier in February, which Araqchi described as a "good beginning."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Monday that reaching a deal with Tehran would be "very difficult."
"I think that there's an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement ... but I don't want to overstate it either," Rubio said during a visit to Hungary. "It's going to be hard."
