Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is currently engaged in discussions with top European diplomats in Geneva. The talks focus on the escalating crisis surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, just one week after a long-simmering dispute erupted into open warfare initiated by Israel against Iran.
Araghchi arrived in the Swiss city for a meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as the relevant European Union Commissioner. This marks the first direct conversation between Iranian and Western officials since Israel launched its offensive against Iran last Friday.
Iran’s Stance and Diplomatic Efforts
Ahead of the meeting, Araghchi stated that Iran has “nothing to discuss” with the United States as long as Israel continues its attacks on his country. However, he added that Iran is open to “dialogue” with other parties, clarifying that these are not negotiations.
The conflict has seen Israel conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, with Tehran retaliating with attacks on Israel.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that European diplomats would present Iran with a “comprehensive, diplomatic, and technical offer for negotiations.” British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated there is “now a two-week window to achieve a diplomatic solution.” Lammy traveled to Geneva after meeting in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio and the U.S. President’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Whitkoff.
US Considers Direct Military Involvement
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering whether the U.S. will directly attack Iran’s heavily fortified underground Fordow uranium enrichment facility. Fordow is considered almost impervious to all conventional weapons, except for the American “bunker-busting bomb” delivered by B2 stealth strategic bombers.
The White House announced on Thursday that Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the U.S. military will directly intervene in the conflict. Concurrently, there are also “well-founded chances” for a resumption of talks between the U.S. and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which Iran claims is for peaceful purposes, though Western nations remain skeptical.
