Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva have reached a critical stage, with significant differences in positions emerging. Iran characterized the talks as "very serious and in-depth," though a clear gap remains between Washington's firm demands and Tehran's core stances.

The third round of US-Iran talks took place in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, local time, pausing after approximately three hours of discussion. According to reports, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagheri Kani, participating in the negotiations, stated that this round was very profound, with delegations set to resume talks at 17:30 Geneva time. "Both sides presented very important and practical proposals concerning the nuclear field and the lifting of sanctions, and discussions were advanced earnestly," he said.

In a statement issued via Iranian state media, Bagheri described the negotiations as "very serious," adding, "It is hoped that talks on sanctions removal and nuclear issues will continue tonight in a practical manner." He did not disclose specific details of the discussions but expressed the Iranian delegation's "confidence," stating, "We must continue efforts and wait and see." He noted, "Contradictory statements from foreign media and some US officials continue to fuel doubts. For us, the focus is on the final outcome. We have consistently maintained our position, matching our words with actions."

This round is viewed externally as a pivotal moment for reaching an agreement. Reports citing US media indicate that the United States plans to present stringent demands during the talks, with significant divergences persisting. The US delegation is expected to insist that Iran dismantle key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, transfer all enriched uranium to the US, and agree that any deal must be "permanent."

Reports also highlighted a notable divergence between the US military and President Trump regarding potential military action against Iran.

Iran, through its official media, has explicitly rejected dismantling nuclear facilities or transferring uranium stockpiles, insisting on retaining sovereign rights to uranium enrichment while prioritizing sanctions relief as a key agenda item.

Oil markets are closely monitoring the talks' progress. International crude futures hit session lows during European trading, falling at least 2%. Brent crude dropped to $69.16, down nearly 2.4% on the day, while US WTI crude fell to $63.6, a decline of nearly 2.8%.

During early US trading, Iranian state television reported that some consultations with the US were conducted directly, and Iran would not permit uranium enrichment to be moved abroad. Crude prices accelerated their rebound, turning positive in early trading. Near the end of the early session, Brent briefly rose above $72.60, up nearly 2.5%, while WTI surpassed $66.70, gaining nearly 2%.

Iran demonstrated negotiating goodwill by submitting a comprehensive proposal. Citing Iranian media, reports indicated Tehran presented a negotiation proposal to the US, described as a move to "practically test America's commitment to diplomacy," delivered via Oman's Foreign Minister Badr. Sources suggested that a White House rejection would "intensify doubts about US sincerity."

A senior Iranian official told regional media that the proposal contained technical and practical elements aimed at proving Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. It included offers to reduce uranium stockpiles to low-enrichment levels under IAEA supervision and temporarily freeze enrichment activities. The official stated the proposal did not address missile systems or defense projects and "completely rejected" principles like permanent zero enrichment, dismantlement of nuclear facilities, and transfer of uranium reserves.

On Thursday, local time, Iranian President Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons. He noted that while Trump insists Iran must declare it will not possess nuclear arms, Tehran has repeatedly stated this position, and the Supreme Leader has already affirmed Iran will not seek nuclear weapons.

Also on Thursday, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, stated on social media that if the main topic of US-Iran talks is Iran not developing nuclear weapons, then a "swift agreement is possible," adding that Foreign Minister Araghchi has sufficient authority and support.

US negotiators, including presidential envoy Wittkow and senior advisor Kushner, face pressure from administration hawks and Republican lawmakers, who demand no agreement be signed that could be criticized as "weak."

Reported US core demands include Iran completely halting uranium enrichment, dismantling the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, and transferring existing enriched uranium stocks to the US. Washington also insists any deal must be permanent, without a sunset clause.

On sanctions, the US is currently willing to offer only minimal relief, while Iran seeks substantial sanctions removal to revive its struggling economy.

US officials have stated that Iran's refusal to discuss ballistic missiles is "a very significant problem." A Republican senator was more direct, stating that if the US allows Iran to retain any uranium enrichment capacity to "save face," then there is "no deal."

Reports suggested the US team might show some flexibility—potentially allowing Iran to restart the Tehran research reactor to process very low-enriched uranium for medical use—but this limited concession also faces strong opposition from domestic hawks.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr stated via social media that the sides exchanged "creative and positive ideas" and remain open to "new, innovative ideas and solutions," expressing hope for "further progress."

Iranian spokesperson Bagheri expressed confidence but hinted the process might extend beyond this round. "Both sides presented important proposals requiring consultations with their respective capitals," he said, indicating a final agreement would likely need multiple rounds.

Iranian state TV reported that parts of this round involved direct talks, with representatives meeting face-to-face rather than solely through Omani intermediaries, seen as a sign of substantive progress. The IAEA Director General is also likely to participate in subsequent talks.

Negotiations occur against a backdrop of ongoing military pressure. The US has dispatched two additional carrier strike groups to the Middle East and deployed over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the region—reportedly the largest US military deployment there since the 2003 Iraq War.

Trump had set a negotiating deadline and threatened military action if no deal is reached. Reports disclosed a clear divergence between the US military and Trump on potential military action.

Additionally, reports suggested some senior Trump advisors privately favor having Israel strike first against Iran, provoking a retaliation that could provide domestic political cover for US military intervention. The White House responded that "only President Trump himself knows what he might or might not do."

Energy markets are tracking developments closely. Global traders are monitoring the Persian Gulf situation, as any disruption to crude transit through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly pressure oil prices upward. Brent has gained over 16% year-to-date, driven largely by US-Iran tensions.