Talks begin in Geneva today between Iran, the US and five other nations. The meeting could lead to a side channel of bilateral talks between US and Iranian officials. That would in turn mark the most substantial negotiations between the two sides since the Iranian revolution thirty years ago. Iran is seeking to discuss a wide range of issues, including reforming the United Nations Security Council, while the Obama administration wants to focus on Iran’s nuclear activities. The talks come as the Iranian foreign minister has visited Washington, DC in the highest-ranking visit by an Iranian official since 1979. The State Department says the minister made a private visit to the Iranian interest section and held no talks with US officials. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Iran faces “stronger” punitive measures if it fails to properly disclose its nuclear program.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: “I think you’ve heard the President and other leaders around the world say this is not talk for talk’s sake. There is a specific agenda and specific problems that need to be dealt with, and if they’re not dealt with responsibly by the Iranians, that stronger measures will be developed and implemented to ensure that they do.”