U.S.-Iran Nuclear Negotiators Meet in Geneva as Trump Decision Looms

U.S. and Iranian negotiators met for three hours in Geneva on Wednesday as President Donald Trump weighs whether to extend a nuclear deal deadline or escalate sanctions against Tehran.

The meeting, which included U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, took place with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediating. The talks come as Trump faces a March 1 deadline to decide whether to waive sanctions on Iran's oil exports under the 2015 nuclear deal.

What's at stake:

• Trump must decide by Saturday whether to extend sanctions waivers
• Iran has threatened to resume nuclear activities if sanctions aren't eased
• The meeting in Geneva represents the highest-level U.S.-Iran contact since Trump took office

Market impact: Oil prices have remained volatile as traders watch for any signs of progress or breakdown in negotiations. A failure to reach an agreement could see Iranian oil exports drop by up to 1 million barrels per day, potentially pushing crude prices higher.

What happens next:

• Trump is expected to announce his decision on Saturday
• If sanctions are reimposed, Iran may accelerate uranium enrichment
• European allies are pressuring both sides to continue diplomacy

The Geneva meeting marks a critical juncture in U.S.-Iran relations, with both sides seeking to avoid a complete breakdown of the nuclear agreement while Trump administration officials push for more stringent terms than those in the 2015 deal.