ctive and said both sides had reached an understanding on a set of guiding principles that could form the basis for future agreement. He emphasised, however that progress does not equate to an imminent deal and that much work remains. Officials involved in the negotiations noted that while both delegations expressed cautious optimism, stark differences persist over core issues most notably Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme and the scale of sanctions relief sought by Iran — U.S. representatives have continued to press for significant constraints on nuclear activities even as they signal willingness to discuss technical adjustments. The diplomatic effort is unfolding against a fraught backdrop. Over the past week, the U.S. has bolstered its military footprint in the Middle East including aircraft carrier deployments to the Gulf and Donald Trump has reiterated that all options including the use of force remain on the table should diplomacy falter. Tehran, for its part, has responded with demonstrations of its own military capabilities. Iranian forces temporarily closed sections of the strategic Strait of Hormuz during live fire exercises, a move that sent ripple effects through global oil markets and highlighted the potential risks to a key energy transit corridor. Analysts say the Geneva talks represent both an opportunity and a test, diplomats on all sides are under pressure to prevent further escalation while navigating the deep mistrust that has defined U.S.–Iran relations for decades. Iranian officials have sought a diplomatic outcome that preserves their sovereign rights under the non-proliferation Treaty, while U.S. negotiators are pushing for verifiable limitations designed to prevent weaponisation. As the Geneva talks enter a tentative pause, both parties indicated plans to reconvene potentially within the coming weeks underlining that. Despite the absence of a breakthrough, the diplomatic process is far from over. Source: AP News