Iran on Tuesday described its second round of nuclear talks with the United States as “constructive”, saying the two sides had agreed on a “set of guiding principles” that could shape a future agreement.
The negotiations, held in Geneva, lasted nearly three hours and marked a cautious step forward after months of heightened tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the latest discussions were “more constructive” than the initial round earlier in February.
“Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement,” Araghchi told Iranian state media.
He said no date had yet been set for a third round of discussions. “It was agreed that both sides would work further on draft texts for a potential agreement, after which the drafts would be exchanged and a date for a third round would be set,” he added.
The renewed contacts follow earlier talks in February, which came after previous negotiations collapsed during last year’s Iran-Israel war. Diplomatic efforts have since resumed against a backdrop of fragile regional stability.
Tensions remain high. The US recently deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf following Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests triggered by worsening economic conditions.
At the heart of the dispute lies Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which reached 60 per cent purity before the conflict. Washington has consistently demanded zero enrichment and has also pressed Tehran over its ballistic missile programme and support for regional militant groups — concerns strongly echoed by Israel.
While Tuesday’s talks appear to have restored a measure of momentum, significant gaps remain. Both sides now face the delicate task of translating broad principles into a workable agreement amid deep mistrust and mounting geopolitical pressure.
(With inputs from agencies)
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