Iran has warned that negotiations with the United States risk stalling unless Washington abandons what Tehran calls “excessive demands,” as the two sides edge through a fragile diplomatic process aimed at defusing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered the message after a new round of Omani-mediated talks in Geneva, where Iranian and US delegations met for the third time in recent weeks. In a phone call with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Araghchi said progress depended on a shift in Washington’s approach.

“Success in this path requires seriousness and realism from the other side and avoidance of any miscalculation and excessive demands,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian readouts of the conversation. He did not spell out which demands he considered unacceptable, but officials in both capitals acknowledge that ballistic missiles and uranium enrichment remain the core points of friction.

US officials have repeatedly framed Iran’s missile arsenal and nuclear capabilities as a strategic threat. President Donald Trump has warned that Tehran already possesses missiles capable of striking parts of Europe and US bases overseas and is working on systems that could reach the American mainland. Washington has also described Iran’s enrichment capacity as a red line, insisting on tighter limits and more intrusive inspections.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has argued that while Iran is “not enriching right now,” it is seeking to preserve the option to ramp up its programme and has “refused” to place its ballistic missiles on the negotiating table, calling that stance “a big problem” for any lasting agreement.

Tehran rejects those accusations, insisting its nuclear activities are for civilian energy and medical purposes and that its missiles are purely defensive. Iranian officials say they will not accept any deal that dismantles enrichment on their soil or curtails what they view as a sovereign right to deterrence.

The Geneva talks, brokered by Oman, are part of a broader effort to prevent a slide toward open confrontation as the United States expands its military footprint in the region. Both Tehran and Muscat have spoken of “progress” behind closed doors, with technical experts from Iran and world powers due to reconvene in Vienna for follow-up discussions ahead of a planned fourth round of negotiations.