The next round of nuclear talks between America and Iran will take place in Geneva on Thursday. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed this on Sunday. He said that the talks are being considered a positive initiative towards a final agreement. Iran’s senior diplomat Abbas Araghchi also expressed hope that there was a good chance of a diplomatic solution in meeting with US Representative Steve Witkoff on Thursday.
The fire of rebellion is burning again in Iran
New inter-related protests broke out in Iran soon after the talks were confirmed. Students at Tahrir University and Mashhad demonstrated in memory of those killed in the January protests. Iran’s state news agency reported protests at five universities.
Last week, during the 40-day tribute celebrations, security forces tried to stop protesters at several places. According to the human rights organization, at least 7,015 people have been killed in previous protests, including 214 by government forces. It is considered the deadliest repression ever under the rule of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump considering military strike?
Meanwhile, the US is increasing its troop deployment near Iran and President Donald Trump has indicated several times that he is considering a limited military strike. Many times this information has also come to light that the US President is being informed about the options for action against Iran. America and European allies have expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear intentions.
US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday to report developments in talks aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program. Nevertheless, Trump later warned that the world would know in about ten days whether a deal would be reached or military action would be taken. He has previously expressed his support for Iranian protesters.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wants a logical and mutual interests-based roadmap to lift the sanctions. The official said both sides would have to agree on a practical timeline. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Iran will prepare its draft counter-proposal in the coming days. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has further increased the tension by talking about considering limited military action.
US-Iran talks inconclusive
Earlier on February 18, talks were held in Geneva between Iran and America regarding the nuclear program. This meeting on Tuesday was the second round of talks between the two countries on the nuclear issue. The talks and exercises in Geneva came at a time when the US has increased its military presence in West Asia. The indirect talks between Iran and America in Geneva lasted for 3 hours, in which no result was achieved.
Controversy over Iranian uranium enrichment
The US views uranium enrichment within Iran as a possible step towards nuclear weapons, while Iran consistently denies this and demands recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment. Tehran has rejected the US demand for zero enrichment, which has been the biggest contentious issue in previous talks.