Talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, with hopes of advancing a deal, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on Sunday. He described the talks as having “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.”

Iranian officials expressed cautious optimism that a diplomatic solution could prevent renewed conflict, despite a significant build-up of US military forces in the Middle East. Speaking to an international media outlet, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft proposal for a possible agreement was being prepared ahead of the resumed talks.

“If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves,” Araghchi said, referring to American interests in the region. He added, “there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this view on social media, stating that previous discussions “yielded encouraging signals.” Araghchi told an international media outlet, “I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal.”

Axios reported that, according to a senior US official, Washington DC is ready to meet later this week for detailed negotiations if Iran submits its proposal within 48 hours.

The US has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region in recent weeks, along with additional jets and ships, while strengthening air defences to support its warnings of possible military intervention. 

Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s chief Middle East negotiator, said in an interview that the administration was questioning why Iran had not yet “capitulated.” He said, “He’s curious as to why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated’, but why they haven’t capitulated.”

On Sunday, Iranian students held both pro- and anti-government rallies, following similar gatherings the day before. Some participants waved flags of Iran’s former monarchy, while others chanted “death to the Shah.” 

These protests come after demonstrations last year over economic conditions and the high cost of living, which expanded into nationwide anti-government rallies and a crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands.