US-Iran to hold talks again amid tensions

The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is set to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday (February 26). Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed the talks. Oman welcomed the positive move as a mediator to reach an agreement after a long stalemate.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed some optimism about the talks. In a message on Sunday (February 22), he said that there were some “encouraging signals” from previous talks and that the two sides had exchanged some practical proposals. However, he warned that Tehran, while in favor of peace and stability, was ready to deal with any situation.
Meanwhile, Washington has significantly increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, referring to the continued pressure on Tehran, said in an interview that Trump was interested in knowing why Iran had not yet “refused” to limit its nuclear program.
The US air and naval presence in the Middle East is currently at its highest level since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the US stance. He has made it clear that nuclear technology is a matter of “honor and pride” for Iran, which Iranian scientists have achieved at great sacrifice.
He has also said that a better deal is possible than the previous 2015 nuclear deal, in which all sanctions were lifted in exchange for guarantees that Iran’s nuclear program would be peaceful. However, analysts have seen mixed reactions to the talks. Trita Percy of the Quincy Institute believes that the Trump administration, under Israeli influence, is underestimating Iran’s strength and making unrealistic demands.
On the other hand, Israel is constantly pressuring Washington to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile system. The meeting next Thursday is taking place in a tense atmosphere, which is crucial for the future stability of the Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera.