US and Iran Hold High-Stakes Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amid Military Tensions

by | Feb 17, 2026 | News

The United States and Iran are set to hold indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, even as both sides signal strength through military positioning.

The talks, mediated by Oman, will include US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran has insisted discussions focus strictly on its nuclear program, while Washington has previously pushed to broaden the agenda to include Tehran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional militant groups.

The negotiations come as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East and Iran conducts large-scale naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Gulf Arab states have urged diplomacy to prevent escalation.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned he may use force if Iran refuses to curb its nuclear ambitions. US officials are reportedly preparing contingency plans for potential military operations should diplomacy fail.

The first round of talks earlier this month in Oman was also indirect, with strict separation between delegations. It remains unclear how Tuesday’s Geneva meetings will be structured.

Both sides enter negotiations with deep mistrust and limited signs of compromise, raising questions about whether diplomacy can ease tensions—or if the region is edging closer to confrontation.

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