Negotiations between Iranian and U.S. delegations took place in Geneva on February 26, focusing on Tehran’s nuclear program. While no formal agreement was reached, Oman, acting as a mediator, reported “significant progress” during the discussions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaeidi confirmed the talks, which involved Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meetings spanned several hours, divided into two sessions held in the morning and afternoon, according to Reuters.
“We concluded the day after significant progress in the negotiations between the United States and Iran. We will resume them soon after consultations in the relevant capitals,” Albusaeidi stated.
He announced that the next round of discussions would occur at a technical level in Vienna the following week. This was corroborated by Abbas Araghchi, who led the Iranian delegation.
Araghchi described the February 26 talks as the “most intense to date,” indicating that advancements had been made in the diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington.
Background on U.S.-Iran Tensions
Previous indirect negotiations between the two nations last year failed to yield results, primarily due to U.S. demands for Iran to completely cease uranium enrichment on its territory. Tehran has consistently denied any intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
According to CBS News, President Donald Trump held a national security meeting regarding a potential military operation against Iran. Subsequently, he warned that “very bad things could happen” if Iran did not agree to a deal concerning its nuclear program and fully abandon uranium enrichment.
On February 3, U.S. military forces shot down an Iranian drone that was reportedly approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. On the same day, Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels threatened to seize an American tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 6, U.S. authorities advised American citizens to leave Iran immediately due to deteriorating security conditions. Tehran has warned the United Nations that it would target American bases if the U.S. launched an attack on Iran.
The recent negotiations between Iran and the U.S. in Geneva revealed a complex landscape of diplomatic efforts amid ongoing tensions. While progress was noted, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding uranium enrichment and military threats.