Iran’s foreign minister said Tuesday that Tehran and Washington made progress during a second round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, reaching a preliminary understanding on key “guiding principles,” though significant work remains before any formal agreement can be achieved.

Speaking after the talks concluded, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the discussions had opened a path forward but cautioned that an immediate deal was unlikely. According to Iranian media, the sides outlined the broad framework that could shape future negotiations.

The renewed diplomacy comes amid heightened regional tensions. Iranian state outlets reported that parts of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes — were temporarily closed for several hours during the talks, citing security measures linked to military drills conducted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass. Any disruption there has the potential to rattle energy markets and drive up crude prices. Iran has previously warned that it could restrict shipping through the strait if attacked or subjected to increased military pressure.

The talks in Geneva were held as the United States increased its military presence in the Gulf region, a move widely seen as leverage aimed at pressuring Tehran to make concessions over its nuclear program.

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance, saying that “regime change” in Tehran could ultimately benefit regional stability. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that any U.S. attempt to topple the government would fail.

Diplomatic sources indicated that the negotiations were mediated by Oman, which has often played a quiet intermediary role between Washington and Tehran. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were reported to have participated in the discussions alongside Araqchi.

Outside the United Nations offices in Geneva, demonstrators gathered waving pre-revolutionary Iranian “Lion and Sun” flags as the negotiations took place, underscoring the global attention surrounding the talks.

While both sides appear to have agreed on foundational principles, major obstacles remain. Analysts note that issues such as uranium enrichment levels, sanctions relief, regional security guarantees and verification mechanisms will require detailed negotiations before any binding accord can be reached.

For now, markets and diplomats alike are watching closely. Even incremental progress could ease geopolitical risk premiums in global energy markets, while any breakdown in talks could reignite fears of escalation in the Gulf.

The next round of discussions has not yet been formally announced, but officials signaled that dialogue will continue.