Overview
- Indirect negotiations opened in Geneva under Omani shuttle diplomacy, with Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi saying both sides showed “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas.”
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi held consultations in Geneva as technical access and monitoring remain central sticking points after earlier restrictions on inspectors.
- Washington increased pressure with fresh sanctions on oil and missile-linked networks and sustained one of its largest recent regional deployments, including the USS Gerald R. Ford heading to Middle East waters.
- U.S. envoys are pushing to address enrichment, ballistic missiles, and proxy activity, while Tehran insists on a nuclear-only agenda tied to sanctions relief and denies pursuing nuclear weapons.
- Early readouts signaled little movement, with media reports describing U.S. frustration at Iran’s proposals for only temporary constraints, as both sides warn of serious consequences if talks collapse.