Tense Iran-U.S. nuclear diplomacy resumes in Geneva

Diplomats convene after months of stalled talks and regional conflict, as the world watches a delicate balance between diplomacy and potential conflict.

Annahar

Tense Iran-U.S. nuclear diplomacy resumes in Geneva

Abbas Araghchi. (AFP)

Iran and the United States are preparing for a new round of negotiations following the first session in Muscat, amid anticipation over the outcomes and the delicate balance between diplomacy and conflict.

In a morning post on "X," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated: ''Joined by nuclear experts, I will meet the Director of the Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi on Mon for deep technical discussions. Also meeting Omani counterpart Badr Al-Busaidi ahead of diplomacy with U.S. on Tues.''

He added, "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats."

Joined by nuclear experts, I will meet @rafaelmgrossi on Mon for deep technical discussion. Also meeting @badralbusaidi ahead of diplomacy with U.S. on Tues.

I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal.
What is not on the table: submission before threats
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 16, 2026

For his part, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani announced that "Tehran is ready for fair nuclear negotiations that would address concerns."

He said: “Iran has raised its level of readiness and is prepared for fair nuclear negotiations addressing concerns without compromising its security,” according to the Tasnim agency.

He confirmed that "what happened is an exchange of views that is still ongoing. The countries in the region support reaching a political resolution of the nuclear issue," noting that "Tehran positively assesses the negotiations provided they are fair and reasonable and do not become a tool for postponing or imposing issues outside the nuclear framework."

He pointed out that "Iran accepts supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)."

In Geneva, Abbas Araghchi meets with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Tehran and Washington resumed their negotiations in Muscat on February 6, following months of collapsed talks after Israel's 12-day war on Iran last June.

The United States joined that war, carrying out strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Iran clarified that the Geneva talks will be "indirect," as was the previous round in Oman.

The latest talks come amid Washington’s threat of military action against Tehran and the deployment of an aircraft carrier and its strike group in the region, following a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran last month.