Iran says 'guiding principles' agreed with US at nuclear talks
Iran says it has reached an initial understanding with the United States on key 'guiding principles' aimed at resolving their long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme, following indirect negotiations in Geneva.
Speaking after the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions had clarified the broad framework for moving forward, though significant work remains. 'We have agreed on general principles, but technical details still need to be negotiated,' he told reporters.
A US official also described the meeting as constructive, saying progress had been made but gaps persist. According to Washington, Iranian negotiators are expected to return within two weeks with detailed proposals to address outstanding differences.
The negotiations were mediated by Badr Albusaidi, whose country has played a quiet but pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington. Albusaidi said the latest round concluded with “good progress” in identifying shared objectives and technical parameters.
Tensions have escalated in recent months, with US President Donald Trump warning of possible military action if diplomacy fails. Trump speaking earlier aboard Air Force One, said he hoped Iran would be “more reasonable” this time, referencing past US airstrikes involving B-2 stealth bombers targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
The talks took place amid a visible US military build-up in the region. Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iranian waters, while reports indicate that the USS Gerald R. Ford could also be deployed to the Middle East in the coming weeks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded defiantly to US warnings, saying military threats would not force Tehran to concede. He accused Washington of attempting to dictate the outcome of negotiations in advance, calling such an approach misguided.
Western governments suspect Iran is edging closer to nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Tehran firmly denies, insisting its programme is for peaceful energy purposes. The coming weeks are expected to test whether the diplomatic momentum can overcome years of mistrust and brinkmanship.
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