The United States advanced a set of stringent demands to Iran during nuclear discussions held in Geneva on Thursday, pressing Tehran for substantial, irreversible concessions and simultaneously moving additional military resources into the surrounding region.
U.S. envoys identified as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Iranian negotiators that Washington requires the destruction of three main nuclear installations - Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan - and insisted that Iran hand over all remaining enriched uranium to U.S. custody. The American delegation further specified that any acceptable arrangement must be permanent and without sunset provisions.
Iran rejected those proposals, refusing to stop enriching uranium, to dismantle its nuclear facilities, to transfer its uranium stockpiles to another country, or to accept permanent constraints on its nuclear program. The rejection came from Tehran amid the Geneva talks, and delegations remained in negotiations into the evening.
Officials continued discussions at length as both sides engaged over the terms. The sessions are framed by U.S. officials as an effort to reach an accord that would remove the prospect of military action against Iran.
Alongside the diplomatic engagement in Geneva, the United States deployed additional military assets to the region. The dual track of pushing for a stringent diplomatic settlement while reinforcing military presence underscores the stakes attached to the outcome of the talks.
Negotiators emphasized permanence as a critical feature of any deal, with the U.S. side rejecting arrangements that include expiration clauses. Tehran, in turn, maintained its stance against halting enrichment activity or accepting the transfer or dismantling of key nuclear infrastructure.
As of Thursday evening, the discussions were ongoing. The persistence of talks suggests negotiators remained engaged even after the Iranian refusal of the U.S. demands, with both sides continuing to explore whether a path to agreement exists that would avert the need for military measures.
Clear summary
The United States demanded the destruction of major Iranian nuclear sites and the transfer of enriched uranium to U.S. control, while insisting on permanent restrictions; Iran rejected those demands and the parties continued talks into the evening amid additional U.S. military deployments aimed at preventing military action.