US and Iran to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva

The United States and Iran are preparing to begin a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with mediation by the Sultanate of Oman, officials from both countries and foreign ministries confirmed. The talks are scheduled to start Feb 17 at the Omani embassy in the Swiss city.

The discussions follow an earlier round of indirect talks held on Feb 6 in Oman’s capital Muscat, where negotiators from Washington and Tehran met under the facilitation of Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation in Geneva, while the US side is expected to be represented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials. Araghchi arrived in the city ahead of the talks to finalise preparations and hold preliminary meetings with Omani and Swiss diplomats, state media in Iran reported.

Iran’s government described the negotiations as continuing efforts to address its nuclear programme and the possibility of sanctions relief, although Tehran emphasises that talks should focus on nuclear issues alone rather than broader defence or regional matters.

The talks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with recent military activities in the Strait of Hormuz and expanded US military deployments in the Middle East.

Iran has conducted naval drills near the strategic oil-shipping route, while US officials have maintained that diplomacy is preferable to military confrontation, although the option of force has not been ruled out.

Meanwhile, Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, while Washington and its allies seek limits on enrichment and greater transparency.

Oman has long served as an intermediary between the US and Iran, using its diplomatic ties to facilitate indirect communications and de-escalate tensions.

Swiss authorities have also confirmed their support for the negotiations and reiterated the nation’s readiness to offer “good offices” to facilitate dialogue, stressing Switzerland’s historical role in facilitating contact between Washington and Tehran.