Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Geneva on Thursday for what has been described as a “decisive” meeting.
The talks are expected to determine whether there is still a path to an agreement between Tehran and Washington, or whether the likelihood of a US military strike will rise significantly.
International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi and Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi are also expected to participate.
Sources familiar with the contacts between Iran and Washington told the Post that while the chances of reaching an agreement are slim, the possibility cannot be ruled out.
Before departing for Geneva, Araghchi said Iran would never abandon its nuclear activities “for peaceful purposes.” He also warned that if the United States attacks Iran, American bases in Arab countries would become “legitimate targets.”
In a recent speech, Trump said Iran has begun rebuilding its nuclear program, which he said was severely damaged during Operations “Like a Lion” and “Midnight Hammer” in June 2025.
US administration demanding Iran give clear statement on nuclear issue
In his address to the nation, Trump noted that the United States has not heard Iranian officials say, “We will not develop nuclear weapons.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the president’s remarks on her official account.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the administration is demanding a clear public statement from Iran on that issue, along with concrete steps to ensure the country does not obtain nuclear weapons.
The US president also said Iran is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States and claimed that 32,000 protesters were killed during demonstrations. It remains unclear whether those remarks signal that he is also demanding Iranian concessions on ballistic missile development.
Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News that he hopes Iran will approach Thursday’s negotiations seriously. When asked whether the Khamenei regime should be overthrown, Vance replied: “The president will decide how to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.”