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US and Iran wrap up indirect nuclear talks as American forces mass in Middle East
Oman’s foreign minister, who was mediating, said progress had been made and ‘technical-level’ talks will take place in Vienna next week
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Iran and the United States wrapped up another round of indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday aimed at reaching a deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme and potentially averting another war as the US gathers a massive fleet of aircraft and warships in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump wants a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear programme and he sees an opportunity while the country is struggling at home, with growing dissent following nationwide protests.
Iran also hopes to avert a war but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, such as its long-range missile programme or support for armed groups including Hamas and Hezbollah.
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Oman’s foreign minister, who is mediating the talks, said on Thursday that they had ended but “will resume soon”. Badr al-Busaidi wrote on social media that there had been “significant progress in the negotiation” without elaborating.
He said technical-level talks would take place on Monday in Vienna, home to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). There was no immediate comment from US or Iranian officials.
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If America attacks, Iran has said US military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk tens of thousands of American service members.
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