The second round of talks between the US and Iran has concluded. There has been progress at the negotiation table, while both sides are flexing their muscles behind the scenes.

On the 17th local time, Geneva, Switzerland, held the second round of US-Iran negotiations as scheduled. Similar to the first round held in Muscat, Oman, this negotiation also took place indirectly, with Oman acting as an intermediary.

Iranian Foreign Minister Alireza Enayati immediately announced the results of the talks and gave a relatively positive assessment of this negotiation.

Although the negotiations proceeded as scheduled, beneath the negotiation table, the US and Iran continued to demonstrate their military strength.

Second Round of US-Iran Indirect Talks Lasted About 4 Hours with Positive Progress

On the morning of the 17th local time, news broke that the second round of US-Iran indirect negotiations would begin in Geneva, Switzerland. After about four hours, the talks concluded.

Currently, information released by all parties indicates that during this negotiation, both sides discussed nuclear issues and sanctions relief, and some positive progress has been made.

US and Iran Discuss Nuclear Issues and Sanctions Relief

Regarding the specific content of the negotiations, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson first revealed during a break in negotiations around noon on the 17th that the topics of this US-Iran discussion were nuclear issues and sanctions relief.

Bagheri stated that Iran has conveyed concerns about sanctions removal and nuclear issues, and that Iran approached Geneva with an open mind, hoping the US delegation would also demonstrate the same level of seriousness and sincerity. Bagheri also said that Iran’s delegation is prepared to stay in Geneva for several days or even weeks to reach an agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Reached Overall Consensus on a Series of “Guiding Principles”

After the day’s negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Alireza Enayati briefly commented on the situation. He stated that there are still gaps between the two sides and further communication is needed, but the prospects for negotiations are now “more clear” than before. Enayati also announced the outcome of the talks—both sides reached a general consensus on a series of “guiding principles.”

Additionally, Enayati briefly explained the atmosphere and current progress of the talks:

• Negotiation atmosphere: Both sides engaged in serious discussions, with a more constructive tone;
• Consensus and outcomes: Both sides reached a general consensus on a series of “guiding principles”;
• Negotiation outlook: The prospects are clearer, and a draft agreement may be drafted based on the consensus;
• Progress: Good progress and optimistic outlook, with plans to first negotiate some parts of the agreement and then determine the date for the third round.

US Vice President: US-Iran Negotiations “Progressing Well in Some Aspects”

US Vice President Kamala Harris stated on the evening of the 17th that the US-Iran negotiations are “progressing well in some aspects,” but Iran has yet to acknowledge some of the “red lines” proposed by Trump. Harris said Trump hopes to find a solution “through diplomacy or other options.”

Furthermore, US officials later on the 17th indicated that Iran plans to submit a detailed proposal within the next two weeks to bridge differences with the US in nuclear negotiations. As of now, this statement has not been officially confirmed by US and Iranian authorities.

Oman Foreign Ministry: Negotiations Achieved “Tangible Progress”

Oman, acting as mediator, also gave a positive evaluation after the negotiations concluded. The Omani Foreign Ministry stated that the US-Iran talks on that day achieved “tangible progress,” laying a foundation for continued negotiations in the near future.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi later wrote that the negotiations made “good progress” in clarifying common goals and relevant technical issues. He also noted that while there is still much work to be done, all parties have clarified their next steps before the next round of talks.

Advancing Negotiations and US-Iran Showing Military Power Beneath the Table

So far, the specific topics announced by all parties for the second US-Iran negotiations mainly revolve around “nuclear issues and sanctions relief.” As for the previously proposed US and Israel’s “limiting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities,” which directly touches Iran’s “red lines,” and “stopping support for so-called ‘regional proxy forces,’” there has been no clear mention. Only Vice President Harris vaguely stated that “Iran has yet to acknowledge some of Trump’s proposed ‘red lines.’”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a statement on the 17th regarding US attempts to limit Iran’s missile capabilities, saying Iran’s weapons and peaceful nuclear activities “have nothing to do with the US,” and that Iran’s missile types or ranges “are not related to the US.” He called US interference “irrational.”

Despite the progress in negotiations, the US and Iran’s competition beneath the table has not stopped. Before the negotiations, the US dispatched a second aircraft carrier and 18 F-35A “Lightning II” fighters to the Middle East. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy also began military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on the 16th.

Shortly after the second round of talks started on the 17th, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei made a new statement on US military threats. He said the US claims to have the world’s strongest military, but even the strongest can sometimes be heavily damaged. The US sent a carrier to Iran, which is dangerous, but more dangerous than the carrier are “weapons capable of sinking it.”

Additionally, after the talks began on the 17th, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps extensively disclosed its naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. News of a blockade during the exercises was also announced during the negotiations.

Iranian analysts pointed out that there has been no apparent change in Iran and US core positions, and even during negotiations, both sides continue to demonstrate military strength and engage in military confrontation. Therefore, it is premature to discuss the results of the negotiations at this stage.

(Source: CCTV News Client)