US and Iran seek framework deal as talks continue in Geneva

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for three hours of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman on Thursday. The session adjourned briefly before resuming later in the day.

The discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme come amid rising fears of a broader Middle East conflict, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning of action if no agreement is reached and the U.S. military increasing its presence in the region.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said both sides were exchanging “creative and positive ideas” and expressed hope for progress. The senior Iranian official described the negotiations as “intense and serious,” noting that new proposals would require consultation in Tehran and that gaps remain.

Washington, which believes Tehran seeks the capacity to build a nuclear weapon, is pressing Iran to halt uranium enrichment. Iran denies pursuing a bomb and has signalled flexibility, reportedly offering new concessions in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

The United States also wants the talks to expand to Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its regional alliances. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran’s refusal to address its missile programme posed a significant obstacle, arguing the missiles threaten regional stability and the United States.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations would focus strictly on nuclear issues and sanctions relief, adding that Tehran approached the talks with seriousness and flexibility.

Trump said on February 19 that Iran had 10 to 15 days to reach a deal, warning of unspecified consequences. In a recent State of the Union address, he reiterated that while he preferred diplomacy, he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Last June, the U.S. joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites and has since increased pressure on Tehran. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israel and warned of severe retaliation if targeted again, fuelling concerns among Gulf oil producers about wider instability.

Several countries have begun withdrawing non-essential diplomatic staff from parts of the Middle East or advising citizens against travel to Iran.

The USS USS Gerald R. Ford departed from near Crete and is heading toward northern Israel. The United States has also deployed around a dozen F-22 fighter jets to Israel, marking the first such deployment for potential wartime operations, according to a U.S. official, though the Pentagon has not formally announced the move.

Despite ongoing talks, significant disagreements persist, including over the timing and scope of sanctions relief, the senior Iranian official said.

Within Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei faces mounting economic pressure from sanctions and renewed protests. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Khamenei has prohibited weapons of mass destruction, reiterating a religious decree issued in the early 2000s that Tehran would not pursue nuclear arms.