The United States and Iran wrapped up another round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday without reaching a formal deal but officials said there were some signs of progress that could keep diplomacy alive amid rising regional tensions and the risk of escalation. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi who mediated the talks described them as among the most serious and detailed discussions Tehran has held with Washington in years noting that both sides made advances on certain technical points even as disagreements remain over sanctions relief uranium enrichment and Iran’s missile programme. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks moved closer to agreement on specific issues while emphasizing that both sides will continue technical-level discussions in Vienna next week after consulting their capitals. Diplomats stress that these negotiations are seen as a last opportunity to avoid conflict with Washington insisting on verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities while Tehran maintains its program is peaceful and signaled a willingness to show flexibility in certain areas. Analysts note that although no breakthrough was achieved the talks represent a cautious step forward in preventing further military escalation as both sides balance domestic political pressures international scrutiny and the urgent need to reduce the risk of confrontation in the region. The outcome leaves the Middle East on edge highlighting the delicate nature of diplomacy the stakes of continued negotiations and the ongoing uncertainty over whether a final agreement can be reached to avert potential conflict.
