Highlights:
- Iran and the United States held a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva.
- Iran said both sides agreed on “guiding principles” for a possible agreement.
- Draft texts for a potential deal will now be prepared and exchanged.
- Vance said Iran has not accepted President Donald Trump’s “red lines.”
- The United States maintains that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions led to broad agreement on foundational principles that could guide a future deal. Speaking to state television after the meeting, Araghchi said negotiations would now move into a drafting phase.
“Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement,” Araghchi said.
According to Araghchi, both sides will prepare draft documents and exchange them before deciding on a date for a third round of negotiations. He described the talks as constructive but made clear that additional work is required before any final agreement can be reached.
Iran’s position reflects cautious optimism. Officials signaled that while no final deal has been secured, both governments have agreed on enough common ground to continue the process.
Vance: Iran Still Rejecting Trump’s Red Lines
Despite Iran’s positive assessment, Vance said Tehran has not accepted key US demands. In an interview with Fox News, Vance acknowledged that the talks “went well” in certain respects because both sides agreed to continue discussions. However, he stressed that Iran is not yet prepared to comply with President Trump’s non-negotiable conditions.
Central to those conditions is the requirement that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Vance emphasized that preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state remains a firm US objective.
According to Vance, allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons could trigger broader consequences beyond the Middle East. He warned that such a move could spark a regional or even global arms race, increasing international instability.
“The president of the United States is very much trying to find a solution here,” Vance said.
Vance added that while Trump prefers a diplomatic outcome, other options remain available if negotiations fail. The vice president underscored that Trump retains the authority to determine when diplomacy has reached its limit.
“We hope we don’t get to that point,” Vance said, referring to potential alternatives if talks break down.
Vance Emphasizes Diplomatic Path but Signals Limits
Throughout his remarks, Vance repeated that the administration’s priority is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He framed the current negotiations as part of a broader effort led by President Trump to seek a peaceful resolution.
However, Vance also made clear that diplomacy is conditional. He indicated that continued talks depend on Iran’s willingness to address US concerns and respect Trump’s red lines.
The repeated reference to red lines underscores the administration’s position that certain outcomes are not open to compromise. According to Vance, any final agreement must guarantee that Iran’s nuclear program will not lead to weaponization.
Next Steps in the Iran-US Process
Following the Geneva meeting, both sides are preparing draft proposals. These texts will outline each country’s positions and potential areas of compromise. Once exchanged, negotiators are expected to schedule a third round of talks.
The second round demonstrates that communication channels remain open. Iran appears focused on sustaining the diplomatic process and advancing discussions incrementally. The United States, represented publicly by Vance, continues to insist on strict security conditions.
Whether a final agreement emerges will depend on how the remaining disagreements are addressed in upcoming rounds.
For now, the process remains in motion. Iran says a framework of guiding principles exists. Vance says critical red lines have not been met. The outcome will hinge on whether future negotiations bridge that gap while satisfying President Trump’s requirements.
