Washington and Tehran to hold more nuclear talks as protests reignite in Iran

"As fears loomed of renewed conflict after Washington carried out a major redeployment of military assets to the region, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he thought there was still a good chance of finding a diplomatic solution. He told CBS negotiators would probably meet on Thursday to discuss and try to make a fast deal. Alluding to US assets in the region as potential targets, however, he said: If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves."

"Student demonstrations at universities in Tehran and the north-eastern city of Mashhad continued for a second day on Sunday, and videos from the latter suggest clashes between students and the state-backed Basij militia turned violent. The universities had reopened on Saturday for the first time since the protests in December and January that led to thousands of deaths, and many of the students had returned to university determined to commemorate those killed and injured."

"The true number of deaths during the previous unrest is unclear. The government puts the figure at just over 3,000, but human rights groups say a minimum of 6,000. The government has refused to allow a UN-led fact-finding committee to enter the country, insisting its own internal inquiry is sufficient. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, is scheduled to speak at the UN human rights council this week, a move that is likely to lead to large-scale walk outs by other delegates."

Iran and the US are expected to meet for further talks in Geneva as signs emerge that Tehran may propose diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and demonstrate it is not seeking a nuclear weapon. Washington redeployed military assets to the region, raising fears of renewed conflict even as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators have a good chance of a diplomatic solution and may meet on Thursday. Iranian authorities face renewed domestic pressure as student demonstrations resumed in Tehran and Mashhad, with videos suggesting clashes with the Basij militia. Disputed death tolls, refusal to admit a UN fact-finding team, and an upcoming UN human rights council appearance by Iran's deputy foreign minister heighten tensions.

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