Geneva: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in Geneva ahead of a crucial third round of nuclear and sanctions-lifting negotiations between Iran and the United States.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi and Al Busaidi held discussions on Wednesday evening, just hours after Araghchi and his delegation arrived in the Swiss city. The meeting aimed at finalizing coordination before the indirect negotiations with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, scheduled for Thursday. This marks the third round of talks, with previous sessions taking place on February 6 in Muscat and February 17 in Geneva. During these discussions, Al Busaidi has consistently played a mediating role.

The discussions between Iran and the US aim to address nuclear issues and explore the lifting of sanctions. The negotiations occur against a backdrop of heightened military presence by the United States in the region near Iran's borders, coupled with threats of military action should the talks not yield a positive outcome.

Prior to his departure from Tehran, Araghchi emphasized in an interview with India Today the potential for reaching a "fair, balanced, and equitable deal," underscoring the significance of the upcoming negotiations.