US-Iran talks conclude with claims of progress but few details

"After the conclusion of the talks in Geneva on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said further technical talks would be held next week in Vienna and progress had been good. These were the most serious and longest talks, Araghchi said. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who mediated the talks, said Iranian and US diplomats would consult with their governments before the Vienna talks."

"The Iranian team, led by Araghchi, handed over on Wednesday night Tehran's written proposals to Al Busaidi, who also mediated previous rounds of talks in Geneva and Muscat. The Omani diplomat then met with the US delegation on Thursday, led by Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Al Busaidi mediated between the two teams throughout the day."

"Also taking part in the talks was Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which will have to undertake nuclear monitoring and verification duties in Iran in case of any agreement. The UN watchdog will hold several days of board meetings starting on March 6, which is around the 10- to 15-day deadline floated by Trump last week for Iran to reach a deal."

Indirect negotiations between Iranian and US officials concluded in Geneva with a mediator reporting significant progress, yet substantial gaps persist between the parties' positions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, engaged in talks mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister. Iran submitted written proposals, and technical discussions will continue in Vienna the following week. The International Atomic Energy Agency director general participated to address nuclear monitoring requirements. Despite claims of progress and these being the most serious talks to date, no clear evidence emerged that either side would concede sufficiently to avoid military conflict. A UN board meeting scheduled for March 6 may consider censuring Iran based on the talks' outcomes.

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