Iran, US reach 'guiding principles' in second round of nuclear talks: Araqchi

Geneva (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday described the latest round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States (US) as more focused and said the tone of discussions had become “more constructive.”

Speaking to reporters after the second session in Geneva, which was mediated by Oman, Araghchi explained that the two sides had reached a general understanding on a set of “guiding principles” that would form the starting point for drafting a potential agreement.

He added, “Both sides will now work on preparing drafts of a possible agreement and exchange them afterward.” Araghchi also noted that the schedule for the next round of talks has not yet been finalized.

While progress has been made, Araghchi cautioned that this does not mean a swift deal is imminent. He said the negotiations have begun on a positive note from Iran’s perspective, but reconciling the positions of both sides will take time.

No official date has been set for the next meeting between Tehran and Washington, and Araghchi stressed that it is premature to speak of a full roadmap for the negotiations.

Iranian state media reported that Tuesday’s discussions centered mainly on technical issues, with experts in nuclear, legal, and economic matters participating in the talks.

The Iranian delegation was led by Araghchi, while the American team included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Both sides also held separate meetings with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi at the Omani Embassy before exchanging notes through the mediators.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that the talks focused on lifting sanctions and other technical matters. UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi was also involved, holding separate discussions with each delegation.

The first round of indirect talks took place earlier this month in Muscat, coming more than eight months after diplomacy was paused following the Iran-Israel conflict last June.

A reporter from the state-run IRNA, accompanying the Iranian delegation to Geneva, described the negotiations as “very serious” and confirmed that some general agreements had been reached. Detailed discussions will resume after the delegations return to their capitals for consultations.