Iran briefs Iraq on Geneva nuclear talks as third round ends without deal

BAGHDAD — Iran briefed Iraq on its nuclear negotiations with the United States during a phone call Friday between Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, a day after the third round of indirect talks in Geneva concluded without a final agreement.

Araghchi reviewed the content of the discussions, next steps and timing of upcoming technical committee meetings, according to Iraq’s Foreign Ministry. Hussein praised “the progress made in the Geneva talks” and stressed “the importance of continuing dialogue as the optimal path to address outstanding issues.”

The Geneva talks, mediated by Oman, ended with both sides describing cautious progress. Araghchi said the main elements of a possible agreement had been identified, though significant gaps remain.

The talks came as the U.S. has assembled its largest military force in the Middle East in decades. Both Baghdad and Tehran reaffirmed in Friday’s call that dialogue is “the most appropriate way to resolve problems” and agreed to continue coordination during “the upcoming sensitive phase.”