Geneva/Tehran: As the third round of US-Iran nuclear talks approaches in Geneva on Thursday, President Masoud Pezeshkian has signalled Tehran’s resolve saying Iran is “closely monitoring US actions” and has readied itself for “any potential scenario.”
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate with the US State Department ordering evacuation of non-emergency personnel at the US embassy in Beirut, amid indications that the US could order airstrikes on Iran even with another round of diplomatic talks this week.
According to reports emanating from Iran, students mounted protests for a third consecutive day on Monday, defying authorities in the wake of last month’s violent crackdown on demonstrators. State media detailed unrest at Tehran University, where crowds chanted anti-government slogans; al-Zahra University, the all-women institution where flags were burned; and Amirkabir University, site of scuffles—all in the capital.
Iran International reported that student groups at University of Tehran, Amirkabir University of Technology, and Isfahan University of Technology circulated statements forming “Lion and Sun” associations. These groups demand secular governance, preservation of territorial integrity, free elections, and express support for exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi as a transitional leader.
Given the mounting tension, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged a “diplomatic solution” ahead of the Geneva talks, as Trump’s strike threats loom, Al Arabiya reported Monday.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Iran to agree to a deal, saying it has an opportunity to do so and that is the outcome the US president Trump would prefer.
Speaking to Al Arabiya English video on Tuesday, Hegseth said: “Our job is to provide options…everything is on the table. It’s the President’s decision. We are here to ensure that a deal is made, and I think, Iran would be wise to make a deal.” Hegseth framed agreement as Trump’s preferred path, though “everything” remains in play.
