A second round of talks between Iran and the United States, over Tehran’s nuclear programme, has concluded in Geneva, Switzerland. Talking to the media after the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has said that Iran and the United States reached an understanding on the main guiding principles in a second round of nuclear talks, but work still needs to be done. He said that the progress does not mean an agreement will be reached soon, but the path has started. He said no date has been set for a third round of talks, as both sides will develop draft texts for a potential deal before fixing a time.

Earlier, speaking to reporters ahead of the latest talks, US President Donald Trump said he believed Iran wanted to make a deal over its nuclear programme. The US has also reportedly sent the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the Middle East, which could arrive in the region in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that US attempts to depose his government would fail.