Geneva, Feb 16: Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, met on Monday in Geneva with Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ahead of a second round of US-Iran nuclear talks hosted by Oman on Tuesday.
Araghchi stressed that Tehran seeks a “fair and equitable deal” while rejecting any submission under threats. He also plans to meet Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi to coordinate the upcoming discussions.
The talks come amid rising tensions in the region. Iran launched a second naval drill in weeks across the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman, testing operational and intelligence capabilities.
Notices warned that live-fire exercises could take place in the northern lane of the Strait, a key international shipping route.
This follows recent incidents involving US forces, including the downing of an Iranian drone near the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the harassment of a US-flagged merchant vessel.
In response, the US has deployed additional aircraft carriers and military assets to maintain pressure on Tehran.
Iran has indicated it could compromise on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said, “The ball is in America’s court,” and stressed that Iran is willing to discuss nuclear and other program-related issues if the US is ready to address sanctions.
Earlier US-Iran talks, including the first round in Oman on February 6 and negotiations last year, failed after external conflicts, including a brief war with Israel.
The direct engagement with the IAEA is significant, following Iran’s suspension of cooperation after the June war with Israel.
Grossi has warned that Iran’s uranium stockpile enriched to 60 percent could theoretically allow production of up to 10 nuclear bombs, though Tehran insists its program is peaceful.
Israel has urged the US to ensure any deal also addresses Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Geneva talks will test whether Iran can negotiate in exchange for sanctions relief while maintaining its strategic nuclear capabilities, amid continued US military pressure and regional instability.(AP)
