A Diplomatic Window: US and Iran Eye Negotiations Amid Escalating Conflict
The White House has announced a “substantial chance” for renewed negotiations between the US and Iran, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that US and Iranian officials have engaged in six rounds of direct and indirect negotiations, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi scheduled to meet with European leaders in Geneva. This development comes as President Donald Trump prepares to decide within the next two weeks whether to launch a strike on Iran in support of Israel’s efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Leavitt emphasized that any deal with Iran must include “no uranium enrichment” and eliminate its ability to achieve a nuclear weapon. Trump has been clear about his stance, stating that Iran “can and should make a deal” to end the conflict or face grave consequences. The US has proposed a deal to Iran that is considered practical and realistic, but Iran’s response remains uncertain. European leaders, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, are set to meet with Araghchi to discuss a lasting rollback of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The situation remains volatile, with Iran’s nuclear program posing an existential threat not just to Israel but also to the US. Leavitt stressed that Iran has all it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon, requiring only a decision from the supreme leader. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lammy, agreeing that Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The international community is closely watching the developments, hoping for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The next two weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict. Trump’s decision on whether to engage in military action or pursue diplomatic channels will have significant implications for the region and the world. As negotiations between the US and Iran continue, the prospect of a peaceful resolution remains uncertain, but efforts to find a diplomatic solution are underway
