Heated exchange in Geneva preceded US military action against Iran Report by NBC News

During a meeting in Geneva on February 26 aimed at preventing a military confrontation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly shouted at US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, according to a report by NBC News.

Citing a senior US official, the report states that tensions escalated after Araghchi asserted that Iran has an “inalienable right” to uranium enrichment. The situation intensified when Araghchi began shouting at Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. In response, Witkoff reportedly said that the United States has an “inalienable right” to stop Iran.

“If you prefer, I can leave,” Witkoff is quoted as telling Araghchi in response to his yelling.

The senior US official told NBC that Witkoff and Kushner subsequently briefed Trump about the encounter and that the president was described as “nonplussed.” Fewer than two days after the Geneva meeting, the United States launched strikes on Iran.

By Tamilla Hasanova