US Warns Tehran After Geneva Talks as Iran, Russia Hold Naval Drills
Washington Says Deal Needed, Tehran Rejects Zero Enrichment Demand
The United States has issued fresh warnings to Tehran following a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva, even as Iran and Russia announced joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman aimed at deterring what they described as unilateral action in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran would be “very wise to make a deal” with US President Donald Trump after indirect negotiations concluded without a major breakthrough. She told reporters that while some progress had been made, significant differences remain on key issues.
Trump escalated his rhetoric on social media, warning that if Iran declines to reach an agreement, the US could consider using an Indian Ocean airbase in the Chagos Islands to counter what he termed potential threats from Tehran.
The renewed tensions come after a previous diplomatic effort collapsed last year amid military exchanges between Israel and Iran, during which Washington joined by striking Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides agreed on certain “guiding principles” for a possible deal, though US Vice President JD Vance indicated Tehran has yet to accept all American red lines. Washington is pressing Iran to abandon uranium enrichment on its soil and expand talks to include missile capabilities, demands Tehran has rejected.
Even as talks resumed, the US has increased its military presence in the Gulf region, deploying additional naval assets including a second aircraft carrier. Iran has responded with military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz and joint naval drills with Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any new US strike on Iran could have serious consequences and urged restraint.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel later this month for consultations on Iran, as diplomatic and military manoeuvres continue to heighten regional uncertainty. [KNT]
