{"id":34234,"date":"2026-02-18T09:58:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=34234"},"modified":"2026-02-18T09:59:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:59:01","slug":"second-round-of-oman-mediated-us-iran-nuclear-talks-ends-in-geneva-as-major-gaps-remain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/second-round-of-oman-mediated-us-iran-nuclear-talks-ends-in-geneva-as-major-gaps-remain\/","title":{"rendered":"Second round of Oman-mediated US-Iran nuclear talks ends in Geneva as major gaps remain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A second round of Oman-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the United States aimed at resolving their long-running dispute over Tehran\u2019s nuclear program has concluded in Geneva on February 17, 2026, with both sides indicating limited progress but no immediate breakthrough.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two countries reached an understanding on the main \u201cguiding principles\u201d during the discussions, though he emphasized that significant work remains before any agreement can be finalized. The United States has not formally commented on the outcome of the Geneva meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The talks were mediated by Oman and focused primarily on Iran\u2019s nuclear program and the potential lifting of U.S. economic sanctions. Tehran had signaled ahead of the meeting that these would be its main priorities, while Washington had previously indicated it also wants to address Iran\u2019s missile development and broader regional activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Araghchi told Iranian media after the talks that \u201cdifferent ideas have been presented, these ideas have been seriously discussed, ultimately we&#8217;ve been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles.\u201d He added that this does not mean a deal is imminent, but described the discussions as constructive and said both sides left with \u201cclear next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oman\u2019s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi also said \u201cmuch work is yet to be done,\u201d but confirmed that both delegations departed with a shared understanding of how to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udcf8 | Oman\u2019s FM Badr Al Busaidi <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/badralbusaidi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@badralbusaidi<\/a> met Iran\u2019s FM Abbas Araghchi in Geneva to prepare for tomorrow\u2019s second round of indirect Iran-US talks. Both affirmed the need to advance understanding toward a mutually satisfactory agreement. Al Busaidi reiterated Oman\u2019s firm\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/B6wziNqUkl\">pic.twitter.com\/B6wziNqUkl<\/a><\/p>&mdash; \u0648\u0632\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0627\u0631\u062c\u064a\u0629 (@FMofOman) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FMofOman\/status\/2023452736206107001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 16, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>Military Pressure and Diplomatic Signaling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest diplomatic round comes amid heightened tensions and a growing U.S. military presence in the Middle East. In recent weeks, Washington has deployed additional naval and air assets to the region as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Iran. The United States has also reportedly dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world\u2019s largest warship, which could arrive in the region within weeks. Additional destroyers, combat ships, and fighter aircraft have also been tracked moving into the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking aboard Air Force One ahead of the Geneva meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Iran wanted to reach an agreement and warned of consequences if talks failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,\u201d Trump said. He referred to previous U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, adding, \u201cWe could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. I hope they&#8217;re going to be more reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trump described the talks as \u201cvery important\u201d and said he would be \u201cindirectly\u201d involved. He also suggested Tehran had become more willing to negotiate after recent U.S. military pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?resize=1016%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 sit on USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck as the ship steams through the Atlantic Ocean\" class=\"wp-image-34236\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Navy-USS-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 sit on USS Gerald R. Ford&#8217;s (CVN 78) flight deck as the ship steams through the Atlantic Ocean, April 13, 2022. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy\/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riley McDowell)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Iran\u2019s foreign ministry, for its part, said Washington\u2019s stance appeared to have shifted toward \u201ca more realistic one\u201d on the nuclear issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Iran Responds with Drills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iranian leaders responded sharply to U.S. military threats and suggestions of regime change. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attempt to impose outcomes through pressure or military action would fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMore dangerous than an aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea,\u201d Khamenei said. \u201cThe &#8216;strongest army in the world&#8217; may sometimes receive such a blow that it cannot get back up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also accused Washington of trying to predetermine the outcome of negotiations, calling that approach a \u201cwrong and foolish thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran has conducted its own military demonstrations in parallel with the talks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched maritime drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route between Iran and Oman. Iranian state media also reported temporary restrictions in parts of the strait due to \u201csecurity precautions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tehran has previously threatened to close the strait if attacked, a move that could disrupt roughly a fifth of global oil supplies and drive up energy prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Araghchi said ahead of the Geneva meeting that Iran\u2019s goal was to \u201cachieve a fair and equitable deal\u201d and stressed that \u201cwhat is not on the table: submission before threats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Iran-ballistic-missile-in-Tehran.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Iran-ballistic-missile-in-Tehran.jpg?resize=690%2C370&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Iran's ballistic missile\" class=\"wp-image-29886\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Iran-ballistic-missile-in-Tehran.jpg?w=690&amp;ssl=1 690w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Iran-ballistic-missile-in-Tehran.jpg?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>A banner depicting Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is placed next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran on Sept. 26, 2024. (Image Credit: Hossein Beris\/Middle East Images\/AFP\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Economic and Market Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial markets reacted cautiously to the developments. Oil prices fell after Araghchi\u2019s comments about progress in the talks, with the benchmark Brent crude contract dropping more than 1% as fears of an imminent regional conflict eased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The indirect discussions involved U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other American representatives, with Oman serving as intermediary between the two sides. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching a deal would be \u201cvery difficult\u201d but acknowledged there was still an opportunity for diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think that there&#8217;s an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement \u2026 but I don&#8217;t want to overstate it either,\u201d Rubio said. \u201cIt&#8217;s going to be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Geneva meeting follows an earlier round of indirect talks held in Oman earlier this year, which Araghchi described at the time as a \u201cgood beginning.\u201d The latest discussions appear to have built on that initial contact, establishing a framework for further negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite agreement on general principles, both sides remain far apart on key issues, including sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions, and broader security concerns. The continued military buildup and sharp rhetoric from both capitals underscore the fragile nature of the diplomatic process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, officials on both sides say talks will continue, with mediators working to translate the agreed \u201cguiding principles\u201d into concrete steps. Whether that process can lead to a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain, but the Geneva round suggests neither side is ready to abandon diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?resize=1016%2C626&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump\u2019s son-in-law Jared Kushner with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr AlBusaidi\" class=\"wp-image-34013\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?resize=1024%2C631&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?resize=768%2C474&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kushner-Witkoff-Oman.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump\u2019s son-in-law Jared Kushner with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6. (Image Credit: Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A second round of Oman-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the United States aimed at resolving their long-running dispute over Tehran\u2019s nuclear program has concluded in Geneva on February 17, 2026, with both sides indicating limited progress but no immediate breakthrough.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34237,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[44,1,125],"tags":[367,75,208,134,30,356,5,279,49,71,107,163,7],"class_list":["post-34234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-middle-east","category-news","category-united-states","tag-aircraft-carrier","tag-conflict","tag-diplomacy","tag-economy","tag-iran","tag-middle-east","tag-military","tag-oman","tag-peace","tag-politics","tag-sanctions","tag-switzerland","tag-u-s"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/US-Oman-officials-meeting.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-8Ua","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34234"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34234\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34238,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34234\/revisions\/34238"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}