Diplomatic efforts are growing to stop the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. A possible meeting is being discussed between Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and his counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany. The talks could take place in Geneva on Friday, but the decision is still not final.
A Western official confirmed to the media that discussions are happening “at the highest levels.” If the meeting goes ahead, it could be the first step toward peace talks after six days of violent conflict that many fear could spread further.
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Iran’s Position on Nuclear Weapons
One of the main topics of these possible talks is Iran’s nuclear program. The European nations want Iran to reduce or even stop its nuclear activities, which they see as dangerous for regional peace.
Iran, however, insists it is not trying to build a nuclear bomb. Abbas Araghchi posted on social media, saying:
“We have never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons.”
He added that Iran’s actions have always proven that it does not want to become a nuclear threat.
Europe Waiting on Tehran’s Response
European diplomats are now waiting for final confirmation from Iran before the Geneva talks can be arranged. Earlier this week, Mr. Araghchi spoke with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany by phone. However, he is still refusing to meet with the US.
He is avoiding any talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, blaming America’s support of surprise Israeli air strikes on Friday as the reason.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to talk about how the West should respond to the Middle East crisis.
Iran to Join Islamic Summit in Turkey
Mr. Araghchi is also expected to attend a special Islamic summit on Saturday in Istanbul, hosted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting will focus on Israel’s war against Iran, according to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.
Turkey has strongly criticized Israel, calling its military actions illegal and saying that Iran is defending itself.
At the summit, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to ask Muslim countries to stand united against threats that are causing problems across the region.
Confusion Over Secret Talks With the US
There were reports earlier this week that Iran had sent a secret delegation to Oman to speak with US officials about a possible ceasefire. But Iran has officially denied those claims.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, told state media the reports were false and called them “fabricated.”
The earlier reports had claimed that Iran sent three planes to Muscat, the capital of Oman, for private talks with the US. The goal was said to be arranging a direct meeting between Araghchi and Steve Witkoff.
Trump Sends Mixed Messages
Former President Donald Trump has been giving confusing signals about whether the US will attack Iran’s nuclear sites. He said Iran wants to negotiate but also stated it might be “too late” to talk.
“You don’t know. I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump said about military action.
He also claimed that Iran had asked for a meeting at the White House, but Iran’s UN mission quickly denied this. On X (formerly Twitter), the mission wrote:
“No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House.”
Earlier this week, Trump said America’s patience was running out, and he held a special meeting with his national security team to consider joining Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear sites.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran will never surrender, even under pressure from Trump or threats of war.
These possible talks in Geneva could be a major turning point. If Iran and Europe sit down together, it may help prevent a bigger war. But with the US and Israel still involved, and with strong words from both sides, peace won’t come easily.
