US and Iran To Hold Talks in Geneva as Tensions Build
The US and Iran are set to hold talks in Switzerland on Thursday. But tensions are simmering, and both sides say a failure of diplomacy could have consequences.
Pessimism in Tehran Despite Talks Set for Thursday
REPORTER:
The US and Iran are heading to the negotiating table in Switzerland as tensions simmer — and conflict looms. Both sides say they prefer diplomacy over missiles. But on the streets of Tehran, there’s little hope of a breakthrough.
REPORTER:
The USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, docks in Crete on its way to the Middle East. It’s one of at least two US Navy carrier strike groups moving into position around the region as US-Iran tensions threaten to boil over.
REPORTER:
Iran is also showing off its military prowess — and reportedly, working behind the scenes to bulk up further, with an expected purchase of supersonic anti-ship missiles.
REPORTER:
Switzerland is ready to host the two sides for talks Thursday. But there are stark differences in each’s approach, stemming from Iran’s nuclear program.
REPORTER:
Tehran says it’s prepared to compromise if the US lifts sanctions and lets Iran pursue what it calls “peaceful nuclear enrichment.”
REPORTER:
But it’s not just the nuclear issue. The US also wants concessions on Iran’s missile program and Tehran’s support for regional armed groups.
REPORTER:
There are two things the two sides do see eye-to-eye on though: Diplomacy is the goal, and consequences if that fails.
Joe Biden (US PRESIDENT):
My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's #1 sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen.
Iranian Official (UNSOURCED):
While Iran chooses diplomacy, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people. As demonstrated in our response to the aggression of June 2025, we will exercise our inherent right to self-defense under the Charter of the United Nations if necessary.
REPORTER:
In Iran, tension is in the air. The country is still shaken, weeks after security forces crushed nationwide anti-government protests — killing thousands of protestors and bringing threats of US intervention. This scuffle Tuesday at a university in Tehran is a sign that backers and opponents of the government are still prepared to clash.
REPORTER:
And while life goes on, a growing mood of fatalism can be felt on the streets.
Street Interviewee 1:
I predict that if both sides really mean what they are saying, war will start.
Street Interviewee 2:
Going to war with America, Israel and NATO will have very horrible and unpredictable consequences. That’s why people are concerned, but what can we do? We can’t leave our country. We have no choice but to adapt.
Street Interviewee 3:
I’m not worried about war. How many more people do you think are going to die?
REPORTER:
With some of the most powerful US firepower assembling nearby and Iranian state TV showing warlike images like these, the stakes are high.
