U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall in Geneva Over Tough Demands

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Indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran ended in Geneva on Thursday without a breakthrough, as both sides stood firm on key demands surrounding uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.

Washington Pushes for Full Rollback

According to officials familiar with the discussions, Washington called for Tehran to dismantle major nuclear facilities, including the underground sites at Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and Natanz Nuclear Facility.

The U.S. position reportedly included:

• Destruction of critical enrichment infrastructure

• Surrender of existing uranium stockpiles

• A permanent commitment to zero uranium enrichment

American lawmakers also voiced concerns that failure to secure strict limits could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of military escalation.

Tehran Rejects “Zero Enrichment”

Iranian negotiators rejected the U.S. demands outright, describing them as unrealistic and politically unacceptable.

Instead, Tehran proposed:

• A temporary 3–5 year suspension of higher-level enrichment

• Expanded monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency

• Dilution of enriched uranium stockpiles

In return, Iran insisted on full and immediate sanctions relief.

Oman Mediates, Technical Talks Planned

Mediators from Oman described the talks as making “significant progress” despite the lack of a final agreement. Technical-level discussions are scheduled for next week in Vienna, where nuclear experts are expected to focus on verification mechanisms and phased implementation proposals.

Political Signals Raise Stakes

The diplomatic impasse comes amid heightened rhetoric. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was seen leading chants of “Death to America” at a public gathering, underscoring domestic political pressure inside Iran.

At the same time, U.S. policymakers warned that prolonged deadlock could push both sides closer to confrontation, especially as regional tensions remain high.

What Comes Next?

While Thursday’s session ended without agreement, negotiators appear unwilling to abandon diplomacy entirely. The upcoming technical meetings in Vienna may clarify whether a phased compromise is possible or whether the gap between Washington and Tehran remains too wide.

For now, the future of the nuclear file remains uncertain, with global markets and regional allies closely watching the next round of discussions.