Iran's delegation leaving the summit venue in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 26th (local time) [Reuters Yonhap News]

The third round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, which resumed on the 26th (local time) in Geneva, Switzerland, has concluded, announced Badr Al-Busaidi, the Omani Foreign Minister who played a mediation role.

Minister Al-Busaidi announced via X (formerly Twitter) in the afternoon that the summit schedule had been finalized, stating, "There has been considerable progress."

Minister Al-Busaidi mentioned that the U.S. and Iran have agreed to continue negotiations, and that both delegations will proceed with "technical-level discussions" in Vienna, Austria, next week after consulting with their respective governments.

He added, "I would like to express my gratitude to all stakeholders, including the negotiating teams, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the host government of Switzerland, for their hard work."

According to IRNA news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters after the talks concluded that "the meeting lasted about four hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon," and described it as a "serious and lengthy negotiation."

Araghchi also mentioned, "We have begun to seriously review elements of an agreement in all areas, including nuclear and sanctions," and added, "We are very close to an understanding on some issues."

He emphasized, "Of course, it is natural to have differences of opinion, but both sides have shown increased seriousness in seeking solutions through negotiation compared to before," and reiterated that "there has been good progress."

Araghchi stated, "Starting next Monday (March 2nd), Austria and the IAEA will begin reviews tailored to the demands of both countries," and predicted, "The talks will likely resume within a week."

Vienna, designated as the venue for subsequent talks, is home to the IAEA headquarters. The Iranian side had previously announced that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi directly participated in the talks that day.

Representing the U.S. at the talks were Steve Wikoof, the U.S. President's Special Envoy for the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, the U.S. President's eldest son-in-law. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, represented Iran.

The negotiations were conducted indirectly, with Omani Minister Al-Busaidi shuttling between the two sides to convey proposals, similar to the first and second rounds.

Iran proposed a "temporary freeze" on uranium enrichment to the United States on this day, Al Jazeera reported, citing a senior Iranian official.

The official further explained that the proposal also included lowering the enrichment level of uranium stockpiles under IAEA supervision and achieving mutual economic benefits.

However, he stressed, "There was absolutely no mention of missile systems or defense industry programs," and categorically rejected "a permanent cessation of enrichment, dismantling of nuclear facilities, or transfer of uranium stockpiles."

In contrast, the U.S. entered the negotiations with stringent demands, calling for the dismantling of all three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and the transfer of all remaining enriched uranium to the United States, according to the daily Wall Street Journal (WSJ).