Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 as US-Iran Nuclear Talks Loom

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday at the age of 84. His family announced the news, and it comes the same day the United States and Iran start high-stakes talks in Geneva over Iran's nuclear program.

Background

Jesse Jackson spent decades fighting for equal rights in America. He rose to fame in the 1960s during the civil rights movement. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and was there when King was killed in Memphis in 1968. Jackson started Operation PUSH in Chicago in 1971 to help Black communities with jobs and education. He also founded the Rainbow Coalition to bring together people from different races and backgrounds for change.

In politics, Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988 as a Democrat. He won millions of votes and pushed the party to pay more attention to minority voters. His work went beyond the US. He traveled to places like Syria and Cuba to free Americans held captive. Presidents from both parties turned to him for advice on tough issues.

Jackson faced health problems in recent years. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021 and had surgery for cancer before that. Still, he kept speaking out on voting rights, police reform, and poverty right up to the end. His family said he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Across the world, the US and Iran have been at odds over nuclear issues for years. The US pulled out of a 2015 deal under President Trump, saying it did not go far enough. Iran then stepped up its uranium enrichment. Now, with new talks set for Geneva, both sides hope to find a path forward. These meetings follow months of back-and-forth messages through other countries. The talks aim to limit Iran's nuclear work in exchange for easing some US sanctions.

Key Details

Jackson's family shared a statement about his passing. They described him as a father, husband, and friend who never stopped working for justice.

"Rev. Jackson devoted his life to the fight for equality and human rights. His legacy will live on in all of us who continue his work." – Jackson Family Statement

Tributes poured in from leaders right away. Former President Barack Obama called Jackson a "fearless voice for the voiceless." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said his courage changed America. Even rivals respected his drive. People gathered outside his Chicago office to leave flowers and notes.

Funeral plans are not set yet, but sources close to the family say a public service will happen soon in Chicago. Jackson leaves behind his wife Jacqueline, five children, and many grandchildren.

Nuclear Talks Timeline

The Geneva meeting starts today with top diplomats from both sides. US negotiator Robert Malley leads the American team. Iran's foreign minister will represent Tehran. The talks build on secret meetings held last year. Key points on the table include how much uranium Iran can enrich and what sanctions the US might lift.

Past talks broke down over demands. Iran wants all sanctions gone first. The US wants strict limits and inspections before any relief. Oman and Qatar have helped pass messages between the two. A deal could ease oil prices and calm Middle East tensions. Failure might lead to more US pressure or even conflict.

Experts say the timing matters. Russia and China's ties with Iran add pressure on the US. Israel's concerns about a nuclear Iran loom large too.

What This Means

Jackson's death marks the end of an era for civil rights. Younger leaders now face the same fights he took on: voting access, economic gaps, and police accountability. His runs for president opened doors for Black candidates like Kamala Harris and others. Groups like the NAACP say they will honor him by pushing harder on key laws.

Many see Jackson as a bridge between protest and power. He showed how to use words and crowds to shift policy. Schools and streets named after him will remind people of his role. His family plans to keep his organizations running.

For the nuclear talks, success could restart trade and lower risks. Iran has enough enriched uranium for several bombs if it chooses, US officials say. A pact might cap that at low levels for power plants only. Sanctions relief would let Iran sell more oil, helping its economy.

If talks fail, the US might add new penalties or back Israel's strikes on Iranian sites. Europe wants a deal to avoid war. Oil markets watch closely; prices could jump if things worsen.

Both stories show big shifts. One closes a chapter on America's fight for fairness. The other could shape global peace for years. Leaders from Washington to Tehran feel the weight today.