Iran is expected to submit a formal proposal outlining steps to reduce tensions with the United States after indirect talks held in Geneva on Tuesday, a senior US official said on Wednesday.
The discussions brought together US envoys and Iran’s top diplomat in an effort to prevent the situation from escalating further. During the talks, Iran agreed to present a written proposal addressing US concerns. A senior US official said Washington is now waiting for that proposal.
On Wednesday, senior US national security advisers met in the White House Situation Room to review developments related to Iran. Officials were informed that all US military forces being deployed to the region are expected to be fully in place by mid-March. The buildup includes the arrival of a second aircraft carrier group, ordered by President Donald Trump as part of a broader military reinforcement in the area.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on February 28 to discuss the Iran situation.
The Geneva talks involved US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The United States has been pushing for Iran to give up its nuclear programme, arguing that it poses a serious threat. Iran has strongly denied that it is developing nuclear weapons and insists its programme is for peaceful purposes.
Washington is also seeking to expand discussions to include Iran’s missile programme and other non-nuclear issues. However, Tehran has stated that it is only willing to negotiate limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Iranian officials have made it clear that they will not completely stop uranium enrichment or enter talks about their missile capabilities.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that while some progress was made during the Geneva discussions, significant differences remain between the two sides.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the US military presence in the region is being strengthened, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the administration’s consideration of all available options.
