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The United States has demanded that Iran dismantle its principal nuclear facilities and transfer its entire enriched uranium stockpile to Washington in the ongoing Geneva negotiations, according to media reports. The directive comes as the third round of talks between the two sides, mediated by Oman, became the longest yet, lasting over three and a half hours.

Washington is reportedly pressing Tehran to close its three main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan and hand over approximately 10,000 kilograms of enriched uranium to the US. Officials cited by leading media agencies emphasised that any agreement must be permanent, with no sunset clause, underlining a zero-tolerance policy on uranium enrichment.

US negotiators have signalled a small concession: Iran may be allowed to operate a reactor in Tehran for very low-level enrichment strictly for medical purposes. However, sanctions relief would initially be minimal, with further easing conditional on Iran’s sustained compliance.

Also read: US, Iran hold 3rd round of nuclear talks

According to Axios, the Geneva talks featured both direct and indirect channels between US and Iranian negotiators, though neither side publicly confirmed direct engagement. Discussions were focused on nuclear issues, while broader concerns such as ballistic missiles and regional proxy support were deferred.

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the session as “intensive and serious,” noting that both parties had tabled “significant and practical proposals” on nuclear matters and sanctions relief. He also highlighted contradictory statements from certain US officials, reflecting ongoing negotiation complexities.

The third round, mediated by Oman, is expected to resume after a short break. Observers note that while the US aims for a full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Tehran’s willingness to compromise on enrichment rights for medical purposes indicates a potential pathway toward a limited agreement, though a permanent resolution remains uncertain.