In a significant development regarding the complex nuclear issue, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to participate indirectly in the new round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to begin today, Tuesday, in Geneva, Switzerland. Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating his belief that the leadership in Tehran is genuinely willing to reach an agreement that would end the current impasse.

Historical context and escalating tensions

These talks come at a critical juncture in US-Iranian relations, with the Iranian nuclear program representing one of the most complex issues in international politics for decades. Washington and other Western powers have long sought to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, while Tehran insists on its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The Geneva round of negotiations is of paramount importance given the historical accumulation of economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure that has shaped the current landscape, making any diplomatic breakthrough a globally significant event.

The military option is on the table

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the upcoming talks as “very important.” These political pronouncements coincide with tangible military moves on the ground, as the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East in a clear message of deterrence. Reports from US officials confirm that the American military is making extensive preparations for a potential protracted military campaign should the diplomatic track fail to achieve its objectives.

Negotiation obstacles and previous strikes

Regarding the chances of success for the negotiations, the US president pointed out that Iran had previously engaged in what he described as difficult negotiations, noting that Tehran had realized the consequences of its hardline stance. He cited the US strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites last summer, which he said marked a turning point in dealing with the crisis. The talks face a major obstacle: Washington's insistence on halting uranium enrichment within Iranian territory. The US administration considers this a fundamental guarantee against Tehran developing a nuclear weapon, while Iran views it as an infringement on its sovereignty.

Iranian preparations and regional repercussions

In a related development, and in parallel with diplomatic efforts, Iran continues to bolster its domestic preparedness. The Iranian Civil Defense Organization conducted large-scale drills simulating a response to a chemical attack in the Pars Special Economic Zone, an energy hub. These drills are part of broader efforts to enhance readiness to counter any potential threats in the south of the country, an area that houses vital energy facilities.

Observers believe that the results of these talks will not only affect bilateral relations between Washington and Tehran, but will also extend to the stability of the entire Middle East region and global energy markets, given the strategic location of the Arabian Gulf and its importance in global oil supplies.

The Lebanese government has officially announced that the Lebanese army needs at least an additional four months to complete the second phase of the national plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This announcement comes at a highly sensitive time, as the country faces complex field challenges, including ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, as well as logistical obstacles hindering the military's movements on the ground.

Details of the second phase and field deployment

Following a cabinet meeting, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos explained that the government reviewed the monthly report submitted by the army command regarding the progress of the "weapons control" plan. He indicated that the second phase, which requires an extension, covers the strategic geographical area extending from the Litani River in the south to the Awali River in the north (at the entrance to Sidon). This area is vital for ensuring the stability of the south and militarily isolating the border regions from the rest of Lebanon.

The government had approved this plan last August, and the army announced in January the completion of the first phase, which covered the entire area south of the Litani River. However, Israel deemed the measures taken insufficient to guarantee its security, prompting it to continue its localized military operations.

The post-war context of 2024 and security fragility

These developments gain significance from their timing, as Lebanon attempts to solidify the ceasefire reached in November 2014 after more than a year of bloody clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the agreement, Israeli forces continue to occupy five strategic hills inside Lebanese territory, violating the terms of a complete withdrawal, and persist in launching airstrikes under the pretext of preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.

Sharp internal division and Hezbollah's position

In contrast, the government's move provoked angry reactions from Hezbollah's leadership, reflecting the depth of the internal political crisis. The party's deputy secretary-general, Naim Qassem, launched a scathing attack on the government's plan, describing the focus on disarmament at this time as a "grave sin." Qassem argued that these steps serve the Israeli agenda and weaken Lebanon's defense position, accusing the government of making gratuitous concessions that encourage Tel Aviv to escalate its aggression. He called for an immediate halt to all measures related to disarming the militias.

Strategic and international dimensions

This issue has dimensions that extend beyond the local sphere, as the international community, particularly the states sponsoring the ceasefire agreement, is closely monitoring the Lebanese state's ability to fully assert its sovereignty over its territory. The army's success in this endeavor is a true test of the implementation of international resolutions and a guarantee against the region sliding into a new regional war. The announced four-month delay could place Lebanon under additional diplomatic pressure, amid concerns that Israel might use this delay as a pretext to expand its military operations or consolidate its occupation of the strategic points it currently controls.

In a new step reflecting the continued diplomatic momentum between the two regional powers, Deputy Foreign Minister Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji received, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Shura Council, Ibrahim Reza Azizi, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, where the two sides discussed ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields, with particular focus on aspects of cooperation related to the Shura Councils in both countries, in a way that serves common interests and enhances institutional communication frameworks.

The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shura Council, Mr. Aqla bin Ali Al-Aqla, and on the Iranian side by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom, Ali Reza Enayati, which reflects the importance that both sides attach to this course of talks.

Context of resuming diplomatic relations

This visit comes in the context of a remarkable development in Saudi-Iranian relations since the historic agreement reached in Beijing in March 2023. The agreement stipulated the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the reopening of embassies and diplomatic missions, which has already been implemented, as the two countries exchanged ambassadors and official reciprocal visits resumed at high levels, including visits by foreign ministers and security and economic officials.

The importance of parliamentary diplomacy

This meeting is particularly significant as it focuses on “parliamentary diplomacy,” given the vital role played by the consultative councils of both countries in fostering political understanding through legislative and oversight channels. Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saudi Shura Council and the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament represents a significant step towards institutionalizing relations, moving beyond mere traditional diplomatic communication to building bridges between legislative bodies. This, in turn, contributes to aligning perspectives on regional and international issues.

Regional and international impact

Observers view the continued pace of meetings between Riyadh and Tehran with cautious optimism, anticipating that this rapprochement will positively impact the stability of the Middle East. Ongoing coordination between the two countries is a cornerstone for reducing regional tensions and enhancing opportunities for economic and security cooperation. Furthermore, strengthening bilateral relations aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which adopts a policy of "zero problems" and focuses on economic development and regional prosperity. This necessitates a stable geopolitical environment and good neighborly relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.