Iran Says Guiding Principles Agreed With US at Nuclear Talks

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Iran has announced that it and the United States have reached agreement on a set of “guiding principles” during the latest round of indirect negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme in Geneva, signalling cautious progress in efforts to resolve one of the world’s longest-running foreign policy disputes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the understanding reached on the broader framework of a potential deal provides a basis for moving forward, although both sides stressed that a full agreement remains far from complete.

The talks, held under the mediation of Oman and involving senior U.S. envoys, represent the second major diplomatic effort since negotiations collapsed last year following military confrontations and heightened regional tensions. Araghchi described the discussions as “more serious and constructive” than a prior round earlier this month, with both sides exchanging ideas and outlining key principles that could eventually underpin a comprehensive nuclear agreement.

According to Iranian statements, the guiding principles reached cover high-level goals for future talks — including pathways to draft the text of a possible deal and clarify what remains to be resolved. Araghchi said that Tehran and Washington will now work on drafting and exchanging detailed proposals ahead of subsequent negotiations, though no date has yet been set for another round.

Despite the reported progress, Iranian officials emphasized that an agreement is not imminent. Araghchi acknowledged that narrowing the remaining gaps — in areas such as uranium enrichment and sanctions relief — will be difficult and time-consuming. He voiced hope that both sides could devote sufficient time to the complex negotiations, noting that the guiding principles provide “a clearer path to move forward”.

The outcome was welcomed by Oman’s foreign minister, who described the talks as having made “good progress” toward identifying shared goals and technical issues, but warned that much work remains before a final deal can be reached. Information from U.S. sources also indicated that progress is being made, though core disagreements persist.

The talks take place amid continued geopolitical tensions, including heightened military activity in the Middle East and ongoing disputes over Iran’s regional policies and ballistic missile programme — both issues that are expected to complicate future negotiations. For now, the announcement of agreed guiding principles signals a tentative step toward diplomacy, even as major substantive hurdles remain.

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