US and Iranian officials kicked off US Iran nuclear talks in Geneva today. The meeting aims to address Tehran's nuclear program after US strikes last year. At the same time, Harvard professor Larry Summers announced his resignation. He cited ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as the reason.
Key Takeaways
- US team led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meets indirectly with Iran's Abbas Araghchi in Geneva.
- Talks follow US strikes that Trump says obliterated Iran's nuclear program, though questions remain.
- Larry Summers resigns from Harvard over past meetings and flights with Epstein.
- White House demands full stop to Iran's uranium enrichment.
Background
Tensions between the US and Iran spiked last June. That's when US forces launched strikes on Iranian sites. President Trump said those hits wiped out the nuclear program. But some reports differ. Israeli officials noted in July that enriched uranium might have survived. Iran denies any push for weapons. They say their program is for peaceful energy.
These Geneva talks mark the third round. Oman helps set them up. Indirect talks mean no direct face-to-face yet. The US side wants zero uranium enrichment. Iran insists on rights to peaceful nuclear tech.
And over at Harvard, Larry Summers served as president from 2001 to 2006. He came back as a professor later. Epstein's shadow has hung over many big names. The financier died in jail in 2019. Convicted of sex trafficking. Summers met him several times. Took flights on Epstein's plane too.
But back to the talks. Trump's State of the Union on Tuesday hit hard on Iran. He warned of their efforts to restart. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Iran a great threat yesterday. Still, he said diplomacy comes first.
Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian spoke Wednesday. He wants to end the limbo. No war. No peace. Just stuck.
Summers' move fits a pattern. Other academics faced heat over Epstein links. Harvard probed some cases before. Summers' resignation adds to the list.
Key Details
Nuclear Talks in Geneva
Steve Witkoff leads the US team. Jared Kushner joins him. Both handle other big issues too, like Ukraine talks. Critics question if two men can juggle it all. Senator Thom Tillis called it suspect Wednesday. Said it doesn't show strong leadership.
Iran's Abbas Araghchi flew in Wednesday night. He met Oman's foreign minister first. Stressed the other side must be serious. No mixed signals.
Trump's team says Iran could make bomb material in a week. Witkoff said that on Fox News Sunday. Rubio agreed from St. Kitts. Not enriching now. But rebuilding parts.
Araghchi posted Tuesday. Iran won't build nukes. Won't give up peaceful tech rights.
"Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon; neither will we Iranians ever forgo our right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people." – Abbas Araghchi
US buildup in the Middle East grows. Ships. Planes. Trump weighs strikes if talks fail.
Summers' Resignation at Harvard
Larry Summers stepped down effective immediately. Harvard confirmed it this morning. Ties to Epstein date back years. Meetings in 2003. Flights in 2004. Epstein donated to Harvard causes too. Summers defended contacts before. Said they were professional.
But pressure mounted. Student groups called for action. Donors whispered. Board reviewed records. Summers chose to resign. Avoids a full probe.
Harvard statement was brief. Wished him well. No further comment.
Summers built a long career. Treasury Secretary under Clinton. World Bank chief. Obama advisor. Epstein links tarnished that now.
What This Means
For US Iran nuclear talks, success could ease Middle East strain. No more buildup. Lower strike risk. Failure? Trump might act fast. Allies watch close. Israel pushes hard line. Oman keeps mediating.
Iran gains if they hold firm. Keep some program alive. Economy hurts from sanctions. Talks offer relief path.
Summers' exit shakes Harvard. Shows Epstein web reaches deep. Universities tighten donor checks. More resignations possible. Ties to DOJ Withholds Epstein Files Tied to Trump Allegations. Public trust in elites dips further.
Talks run through today. Expect statements soon. Summers plans no public events. Harvard moves on quiet.
Broader view. Nuclear standoff tests Trump's deal-making. Family ties in play with Kushner. Critics see risks. Supporters trust the pick.
Epstein story won't fade. Files stay sealed in spots. Links to power keep surfacing. Like in Trump's recent speech, per that report.
World waits on Geneva. One wrong word. Tensions spike. Diplomacy hangs thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the US-Iran nuclear talks end?
A: No set end time. They started this morning in Geneva. Could wrap today or stretch. Depends on progress.
Q: Why did Larry Summers resign from Harvard?
A: Over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Meetings and flights. Pressure from students and board led to his choice.
Q: Will Iran agree to stop all uranium enrichment?
A: Unclear. US demands full stop. Iran wants peaceful rights kept. Gap remains big.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the US-Iran nuclear talks end?
No set end time. They started this morning in Geneva. Could wrap today or stretch. Depends on progress.
Why did Larry Summers resign from Harvard?
Over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Meetings and flights. Pressure from students and board led to his choice.
Will Iran agree to stop all uranium enrichment?
Unclear. US demands full stop. Iran wants peaceful rights kept. Gap remains big.
