US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Second Round Concludes with Agreement on Guiding Principles

Iran on Tuesday described the second round of nuclear talks with the United States as “constructive," saying both sides had agreed on “set of guiding principles" for a potential agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the latest round of talks as “more constructive" than the previous round earlier in February. “Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement," Araghchi told Iranian state media. Talks between the US and Iranian delegations in Geneva concluded on Tuesday. Araghchi told state television that the session lasted nearly three hours, and no date has yet been set for a third round of discussions. “It was agreed that both sides would work further on draft texts for a potential agreement, after which the drafts would be exchanged and a date for a third round would be set," he added. ALSO READ: Tehran Fires Live Missiles Into Strait Of Hormuz Amid Nuclear Talks With US In Geneva This round follows the first talks held earlier in February, after previous negotiations collapsed during last year’s Iran-Israel war. The discussions come amid heightened regional tensions, including the US deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf after Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month. The protests had been triggered by worsening economic conditions. One of the main sticking points remains Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which reached 60 percent purity before the conflict. Washington has repeatedly called for zero enrichment, while also seeking to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for regional militant groups–issues strongly emphasised by Israel. (With inputs from agencies)