US and Iran begin new nuclear talks in Geneva

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The United States and Iran have begun a fresh round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, in a high‑stakes effort to address long‑standing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme and avert further escalation in the Middle East. The talks, mediated by Oman and held at the Omani consulate in Geneva, mark a continuation of diplomatic engagement after earlier rounds aimed at breaking the impasse over nuclear restrictions, sanctions and regional security concerns.

Iran’s delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Geneva with a team of technical, legal and diplomatic experts to seek a “fair and equitable” settlement focused on nuclear issues. Iran has insisted the discussions remain centred on its nuclear activities and the lifting of US‑led sanctions, rejecting broader demands on missiles or regional policies. Tehran also emphasises that it will not bow to threats and wants a negotiated solution that preserves its right to peaceful enrichment.

For Washington, the goal remains limiting Tehran’s uranium enrichment and ensuring robust verification and inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Donald Trump has signalled that the United States is pursuing diplomatic avenues even as it maintains a strong military posture in the region, deploying naval assets and warning of serious consequences if a deal is not reached. US envoys to the talks include Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with coordination from Swiss and Omani officials.

The Geneva talks follow an initial round of indirect negotiations held earlier in Oman on 6 February and come amid heightened tensions, including Iranian naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz and expanded US military presence in the Middle East. The deployment of a second US aircraft carrier strike group underscores the fragile balance between diplomacy and the threat of force in the broader US‑Iran relationship.

Domestic political dynamics add further complexity. Iran continues to face economic challenges and social unrest at home, while Washington is navigating geopolitical pressures from allies such as Israel, which has pushed for a broader approach that includes limitations on Iran’s missile programme and regional interventions. Both sides acknowledge that progress in Geneva could have significant implications for regional stability and global non‑proliferation efforts, but substantial differences remain.

The negotiation format remains indirect, with Oman acting as intermediary while Iran and the United States convey positions through diplomatic channels. Ahead of the talks, Araghchi also met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, highlighting the central role of the nuclear watchdog in verification and technical discussions.

While officials from both sides have expressed cautious optimism that productive dialogue could occur, analysts caution that reconciling fundamental disputes — particularly over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment levels and inspections — will be challenging. The Geneva talks represent an important step in a long and complex diplomatic process, but whether they yield a breakthrough or simply pave the way for further negotiations is yet to be seen.

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