Iran says Iran-U.S. talks are very serious and in-depth; U.S. media reports that the U.S. demands are tough, with clear disagreements between Trump and the military.

The Iran-U.S. Geneva nuclear negotiations have entered a critical phase, with significant differences in positions between the two sides. Iran states that the talks are “very in-depth and serious,” but the U.S. maintains a firm stance, with a clear gap between its core demands and Iran’s positions.

On Thursday, the 26th local time, the third round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and was paused after about three hours. According to CCTV News, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagheri stated that this round of talks was very in-depth, and the Iran-U.S. delegations will continue negotiations at 5:30 p.m. Geneva time on the 26th. “Both sides have put forward very important and practical proposals in the nuclear and sanctions relief areas, and discussions have been seriously advanced.”

Bagheri issued a statement through Iran’s state media saying the negotiations are “very serious,” and expressed hope that they can continue in a pragmatic manner tonight regarding sanctions removal and nuclear issues.

He did not disclose specific details of the talks but said that the Iranian delegation is “confident” about the negotiations. “We must continue to work hard and wait and see.” He pointed out, “Contradictory statements from foreign media and some U.S. officials are still fueling doubts. For us, the focus is on the final outcome. We always adhere to our positions and act consistently.”

This round of negotiations is seen as a key point for reaching an agreement. According to Xinhua News Agency citing U.S. media, the U.S. is expected to make tough demands in negotiations with Iran, and significant differences remain. U.S. representatives are likely to demand Iran dismantle major nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, transfer all enriched uranium to the U.S., and insist that any agreement be “permanent.”

CCTV mentioned that there are considerable disagreements within the U.S. regarding military action against Iran.

Iran has explicitly rejected dismantling nuclear facilities or transferring uranium reserves through official media, insisting on retaining sovereignty over uranium enrichment, and making the lifting of sanctions a top priority in negotiations.

The oil market is closely watching the progress of talks. International crude oil futures fell by more than 2% at least during European trading when the day’s lows were refreshed. Brent crude dropped to $69.16, down nearly 2.4% intraday, while U.S. WTI crude fell to $63.6, down nearly 2.8%.

In early U.S. stock trading, Iran’s state TV reported that some negotiations with the U.S. are direct, and Iran will not allow uranium enrichment to leave the country. Oil prices rebounded rapidly and turned higher in early trading. By the end of early trading, Brent crude once rose above $72.60, up nearly 2.5%, and WTI once surpassed $66.70, up nearly 2%.

Iran Demonstrates Negotiation Good Faith, Submits Complete Proposal

Iran has taken a more proactive stance in this round of negotiations.

According to Xinhua citing Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Iran has submitted a negotiation proposal to the U.S., aiming to “practically test the U.S. commitment to diplomacy,” and the proposal was delivered through Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr. Sources indicate that if the White House rejects this proposal, it will “intensify external doubts about U.S. sincerity.”

A senior Iranian official told Middle Eastern media that the proposal includes technical and practical elements to demonstrate Iran’s lack of intent to develop nuclear weapons, proposing to reduce uranium reserves to low-enriched levels under IAEA supervision and temporarily freeze enrichment activities. The official stated that the proposal does not involve missile systems or defense projects, and “the principles of permanently zeroing enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, and transferring uranium reserves are completely rejected.”

According to CCTV News, on Thursday, the 26th, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reiterated that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons. He said that Trump demanded Iran declare it would not possess nuclear weapons, but Iran has already made this clear multiple times. Iran’s Supreme Leader has also expressed his stance, stating Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons.

Additionally, CCTV reported that on the same day, Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on social media that if the main issue in negotiations is Iran not developing nuclear weapons, then “a quick agreement is possible,” and Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian has sufficient authority and support.

U.S. Negotiation Representatives Under Domestic Hawk Pressure

According to U.S. media, the U.S. negotiation team—Special Envoy Robert Malley and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law—are under dual pressure from internal hawks and Republican members of Congress, being urged not to sign any agreement that could be criticized as “weak.”

The core U.S. demands reportedly include: Iran must fully cease uranium enrichment, dismantle the main nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and transfer all current enriched uranium reserves to the U.S. The U.S. also insists that the agreement be “permanent,” with no sunset clauses.

On sanctions, the U.S. is only willing to offer minimal relief, while Iran hopes for substantial sanctions relief to boost its struggling economy.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken said Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to discuss ballistic missile issues “is a very big problem.” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham directly stated that if the U.S. allows Iran to retain any uranium enrichment capacity “to save face,” then “forget it.”

Reports suggest that the U.S. team may be softening somewhat—possibly allowing Iran to restart the Tehran nuclear reactor to process very low-enriched uranium for medical use, but this limited compromise also faces strong opposition from domestic hawks.

Diplomatic and Military Pressures Coexist, Markets Remain Cautious

Negotiations are ongoing amid continued military pressure. The U.S. has deployed two carrier strike groups to the Middle East and over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East, according to CCTV. This is the largest U.S. military deployment in the region since the Iraq War in 2003.

Trump set a deadline from March 1 to 6 for the negotiations and threatened military action if no deal is reached. CCTV mentioned that U.S. media reported internal disagreements within the military and Trump regarding whether to take military action against Iran.

Furthermore, Global Times reported that some U.S. senior advisors privately favor Israel striking Iran first, which could provoke Iranian retaliation and provide domestic political support for U.S. intervention. The White House later responded that “only President Trump knows what he might do or not do.”

Energy markets are closely monitoring the negotiations. Global traders are watching the Strait of Hormuz closely; any disruption in oil shipments could cause a sharp rise in international oil prices. Brent crude has already risen over 16% this year, mainly driven by U.S.-Iran tensions.

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