Tensions surrounding Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon deepened Thursday as Tehran rejected key conditions from President Trump despite reports of “significant progress” in talks with the United States. The nuclear standoff now shifts to Vienna, where technical discussions are expected within days.
Negotiations concluded in Geneva after three hours of indirect discussions, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi relaying messages between both sides. In a post on X, al-Busaidi confirmed, “We have finished the day after significant progress in the negotiation between the United States and Iran.” He added, “We will resume soon after consultation in the respective capitals. Discussions on a technical level will take place next week in Vienna. I am grateful to all concerned for their efforts: the negotiators, the IAEA, and our hosts, the Swiss government.”
Despite what senior U.S. officials described as a “positive” round, Iranian state television reported Tehran will continue enriching uranium and rejected proposals to transfer it abroad. Reports also indicated Iran will push for the lifting of international sanctions, signaling resistance to President Trump’s core demands.
President Trump has made clear that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains non-negotiable. In his Feb. 24 State of the Union address, the president said, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon.” He added, “Can’t let that happen.”
Iran maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and has refused to negotiate its missile program or support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the United States continues assembling military assets in the Middle East as diplomatic efforts move forward.
