US–Iran talks end without breakthrough as key gaps remain

Tehran categorically rejected demands for zero enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, or transferring enriched uranium abroad.

By World Israel News Staff

Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva concluded Thursday night without a breakthrough, after a day of intensive discussions that officials had widely viewed as a decisive opportunity to narrow differences and prevent further regional escalation.

The parties met earlier in the day before breaking for several hours, with early reports indicating that significant gaps remained between the two sides.

According to multiple diplomatic assessments, expectations for rapid progress faded after the initial round of discussions, with officials describing the distance between Washington and Tehran as substantial.

An Iranian official told Al Jazeera that Tehran’s proposal focused primarily on sanctions relief while addressing American concerns over its nuclear program.

The proposal reportedly includes technical and practical steps, as well as data intended to demonstrate that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

According to the official, Iran offered a temporary freeze on uranium enrichment for a defined period and a reduction in enrichment levels under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.

However, Tehran categorically rejected demands for zero enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, or transferring enriched uranium abroad. The proposal, the official claimed, “includes everything necessary to reach an immediate agreement.”

Iranian sources speaking to the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed accused Washington of undermining the negotiations by repeating what they described as “extreme and unacceptable demands.”

The sources said Tehran had made clear it would not retreat from what it calls its right to peaceful nuclear energy, arguing that American positions raised doubts about Washington’s seriousness in pursuing a deal.

Later in the evening, the sides reconvened for additional discussions, including direct talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a report by CNN — a notable development given that much of the diplomacy has been conducted indirectly through mediators.

As the meetings concluded, both sides offered cautiously positive but measured assessments, suggesting progress had been made without resolving core disputes.

Oman’s foreign minister, whose country has mediated the talks, said, “We concluded the day after achieving significant progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran. Negotiations will resume soon following consultations in the respective capitals, and technical-level discussions will take place next week.”

Araghchi similarly pointed to limited advances, saying, “We managed to achieve some positive things regarding sanctions and the nuclear issue.” He added that technical teams would begin follow-up discussions in Vienna starting Monday and that the current round had been “the best and most serious” so far.

Iran also plans to engage with International Atomic Energy Agency experts to address additional issues.

At the same time, reports indicated that fundamental disagreements remain unresolved. According to Al-Mayadeen, Iran rejected proposals related to dismantling nuclear facilities during the talks, while The Wall Street Journal reported that negotiations ended without an agreement and that Washington and Tehran remain far apart on key issues.

Where the process goes from here remains uncertain. This round of negotiations had been widely viewed as a last meaningful chance to bridge differences through diplomacy and avoid a broader regional confrontation.

With no agreement yet in sight and military forces already repositioned across the Middle East, the outcome of the next phase of talks may determine whether the crisis moves toward de-escalation or enters a far more dangerous chapter.