Iran and the United States concluded their second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announcing that both sides had reached a general agreement on a set of "guiding principles" to serve as the foundation for future discussions. The talks, mediated by Oman at its embassy in the Swiss city, were described by Araghchi as "more serious" and conducted in a "more constructive atmosphere" compared to the first round held in Muscat earlier this month. While cautioning that this progress does not mean a quick agreement is imminent, Iran's top diplomat emphasized that a "clear path" now lies ahead and that the negotiation process has begun in earnest.
Strength Alongside Diplomacy
As the diplomatic engagement unfolded in Geneva, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched a significant military exercise in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, temporarily closing parts of the waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The drill, dubbed "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," involved missile launches from inland areas, coasts, and islands that accurately struck their targets, as well as combat operations by ultra-fast speedboats and drone units operating in signal-jamming environments. This simultaneous display of military readiness alongside diplomatic engagement shows Tehran's stated position that it will negotiate from a position of strength and refuses to be coerced by the massive U.S. military buildup in the region, which now includes the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and the recently deployed USS Gerald R. Ford.
Unreasonable Demands
Throughout the Geneva talks, Iranian officials maintained a firm position regarding the scope and nature of negotiations. Araghchi made clear that "submission before threats" is not on the table, stating ahead of the talks, "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal". While Washington has signaled interest in broadening discussions to include non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile program, Tehran has consistently insisted that negotiations will focus exclusively on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinforced this position, warning that "forcing the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job" and reminding the U.S. that while its warships are dangerous, "more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship into the depths of the sea".
The Shadow of Aggression
The negotiations take place against the backdrop of last June's devastating 12-day war, when U.S. B-2 bombers joined Israeli strikes in attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, causing significant damage to centrifuges and infrastructure. That aggression, which halted previous diplomatic efforts, remains a fresh wound and a reminder of the stakes involved. Araghchi has stressed that any sustainable agreement must include guarantees and ensure full recognition of Iran's legitimate rights, including its right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. With both sides now tasked with working on draft texts of a potential agreement and planning to reconvene for another round, the coming weeks will test whether Washington can demonstrate the seriousness and political will necessary to achieve a durable, negotiated solution.