U.S. and Iranian officials wrapped up a second round of indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with reports indicating “good progress.” At the same time, the United States sent a massive force of more than 50 fighter jets to the Middle East, underscoring that military action remains a clear option if diplomacy falters.

The Geneva negotiations, mediated by Oman, concluded with Tehran agreeing to submit detailed proposals within two weeks to bridge gaps over its nuclear program. Yet, the optimism from the talks stood in stark contrast to the surge of American airpower and renewed anti-regime protests erupting across Iranian cities.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to the Times of Israel, said the discussions advanced the process, though major challenges remain.

“Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss,” the official said. “The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions.”

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has long served as a bridge between the West and Iran, struck a cautiously hopeful tone. He noted that the talks ended with “good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues.”

Earlier this month, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Albusaidi in Muscat, highlighting the Trump administration’s reliance on Gulf partners to maintain these sensitive communication channels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to convey conciliation on Tuesday, telling interviewers that Tehran is open to international “verification” to demonstrate it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

“We are absolutely not seeking nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian claimed. “If anyone wants to verify this, we are open to such verification to take place.”

At the same time, Pezeshkian insisted that “Iran will never give up on its nuclear program.” Western powers remain skeptical, pointing out that Tehran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, far beyond civilian needs, while repeatedly blocking inspectors from international agencies.

While diplomats exchanged proposals in Switzerland, the Pentagon executed one of the largest aerial deployments to the region in recent decades.

U.S. officials and flight tracking data show that over a 24-hour period, more than 50 fighter jets—including F-22s, F-35s, and F-16s, supported by aerial refueling tankers—were sent to the Middle East.

Diplomatic sources described the scale of the deployment as unprecedented in decades. The move sends a sharp signal from the Trump administration, which has warned that it could respond with force to both Iran’s nuclear advances and its violent suppression of domestic dissent.

Pressure on Tehran is mounting internally as well. On Tuesday, protests erupted nationwide in Iran, marking the 40th day of mourning for the tens of thousands killed in the January crackdown.

Despite heavy-handed suppression, videos verified by international news agencies showed crowds in Abadan and Mashhad chanting “Death to Khamenei” and “Long live the Shah.” Footage from Abadan captured civilians fleeing the sounds of gunfire.

The Iranian regime held counter-rallies in Tehran, blaming the deaths of protesters on “terrorist acts.”