GENEVA (MNN); Switzerland has confirmed that Oman will host talks next week between the United States and Iran in Geneva, as Washington intensifies efforts to push Tehran toward an agreement limiting its nuclear programme.
A spokesperson for the Swiss foreign ministry said Switzerland remains ready at all times to offer its good offices to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.
On February 6, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held indirect talks in Oman with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The discussions were mediated by Omani officials.
President Trump has recently sharpened his rhetoric against Tehran’s nuclear programme. US forces struck Iranian nuclear-related targets last July during Israel’s unprecedented 12-day conflict with Iran. On Friday, Trump stated that a change of government in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen,” while also deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, escalating military pressure on the Islamic republic.
Switzerland has long played a pivotal diplomatic role between Washington and Tehran. Known for its neutrality, Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since diplomatic relations were severed following the 1980 hostage crisis, which occurred a year after Iran’s revolution.
As the designated protecting power, Switzerland has enabled both countries to maintain minimal diplomatic and consular ties for decades. The Swiss embassy in Tehran manages consular matters between the two states, including passport services, civil status documentation and consular protection for US citizens in Iran.
According to the Swiss foreign ministry, Switzerland may act as an intermediary either on its own initiative or at the request of the parties concerned, provided all sides agree.
Separately, the United States is also set to hold talks in Geneva next week between Russia and Ukraine. Both Moscow and Kyiv have confirmed that US-brokered negotiations will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Swiss city as part of ongoing efforts to end their four-year war.
While President Trump has been pushing to bring the conflict to a halt, two previous rounds of US-mediated talks held in Abu Dhabi have failed to produce a significant breakthrough.
