US-Iran to hold talks on Friday if Iran sends proposal in 48 hours: Axios
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- The US has set a 48-hour deadline for Iran to submit a detailed nuclear proposal; if received, envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will attend a "final" round of talks in Geneva on February 27 to avert military strikes.
- While US officials are open to an interim "token enrichment" deal, Senator Lindsey Graham and other hardliners are pushing for a military response, with reports suggesting potential strikes could target high-level leadership if negotiations fail.
US negotiators are prepared to engage in another round of discussions with Iran on Friday in Geneva, contingent on receiving a detailed nuclear proposal from Tehran within the next 48 hours, according to a senior US official cited by Axios.
This diplomatic effort represents what US officials describe as the final opportunity for Iran before potential US-‘Israeli’ military action, which could target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Trump administration is awaiting Iran's submission, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner scheduled to attend the February 27 meeting if the proposal arrives early this week.
"If Iran gives a draft proposal, the US is ready to meet in Geneva on Friday in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal," the senior US official stated.
Talks may also explore an interim agreement prior to a comprehensive deal.
In the previous Geneva session last Tuesday, Witkoff and Kushner pressed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a written proposal, emphasizing President Trump's "zero enrichment" stance while openness to "token enrichment" if it verifiably blocks nuclear weapon paths.
Araghchi, in a Friday interview on MS Now, indicated he would complete the draft over the weekend and submit it upon approval from Tehran's leadership.
Contrasting views emerged from US Senator Lindsey Graham, who told Axios that advisors urging Trump against bombing Iran should be ignored.
"I understand concerns about major military operations in the Middle East given past entanglements. However, the voices who counsel against getting entangled seem to ignore the consequences of letting evil go unchecked," Graham said.
US advisors note Trump could authorize a strike at any moment, though many currently advocate patience.
