A third round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran has begun in Geneva, Switzerland, as both sides resume high-stakes discussions over Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Delegations from Washington and Tehran met in Switzerland amid mounting pressure on Iran to agree to a new framework limiting its nuclear activities. The talks come as the United States has reportedly increased its military presence in the Middle East ahead of the discussions.

President Donald Trump warned last week that “bad things” would happen if Iran fails to reach a new agreement with Washington, signaling that diplomatic efforts are backed by significant strategic leverage.

On the eve of the negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran’s refusal to include its intercontinental ballistic missile development in the talks as a major obstacle. Rubio stated that beyond nuclear concerns, Iran’s conventional weapons capabilities were “solely designed to attack America and attack Americans, if they so choose to do so,” adding that these issues “have to be addressed” in any comprehensive deal.

Iran has maintained that its missile program is defensive in nature and has historically resisted including it in nuclear negotiations.

The renewed dialogue follows years of strained relations and stalled diplomacy over Tehran’s uranium enrichment levels and regional military posture. Analysts say the outcome of the Geneva talks could significantly impact regional stability, global energy markets, and broader U.S.-Middle East relations.