US–Iran Nuclear Talks Gain Momentum as Tehran Signals Flexibility in Geneva
Geneva, February 26, 2026 – Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have entered a critical phase, with signs emerging that a potential breakthrough could be within reach. A senior Iranian official has indicated that progress toward a framework agreement is possible if negotiations focus strictly on nuclear matters and avoid linking them to broader geopolitical disputes.
Nuclear vs Non-Nuclear Issues: The Core Dispute
The ongoing indirect talks in Geneva center on reviving diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has maintained that discussions must remain confined to nuclear activities and sanctions relief. According to the Iranian official, separating nuclear concerns from non-nuclear issues—such as ballistic missile development and regional alliances—could significantly narrow remaining gaps.
Washington, however, has historically sought to broaden negotiations to include Iran’s missile arsenal and its regional influence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program as a “big problem,” underscoring the deep divisions that persist.
Mediation Efforts and Diplomatic Signals
Oman has played a key mediating role in facilitating communication between the two sides. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi expressed cautious optimism, stating that negotiators exchanged “creative and positive ideas” before pausing the third round of discussions. Talks are expected to resume as diplomats attempt to bridge differences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s readiness to show “seriousness and flexibility,” provided that Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is recognized and economic sanctions are lifted.
Rising Military Tensions in the Region
The diplomatic push comes amid heightened military deployments in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump has increased military presence in the region, deploying additional fighter jets and carrier strike groups. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has reportedly moved closer to Israel, raising concerns of potential escalation.
These deployments follow renewed tensions after previous military exchanges involving Iranian nuclear facilities. Several countries have advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran, reflecting fears of a broader regional conflict.
Internal Pressure on Tehran
Inside Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei faces mounting economic and political pressure. Sanctions have severely strained Iran’s economy, while recent protests have intensified domestic challenges. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek weapons of mass destruction, citing longstanding religious rulings prohibiting nuclear arms.
Key Sticking Points Remain
- The scope and timeline of sanctions relief
- The extent of uranium enrichment allowed
- Verification mechanisms
- Future discussions on missile programs
Iran has reportedly offered new concessions in exchange for formal recognition of its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. However, Washington remains cautious, viewing enrichment capability as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons development.
What Lies Ahead?
Both sides acknowledge that diplomacy remains preferable to military confrontation. While optimism is cautious, negotiators agree that a deal is possible if mutual priorities are addressed realistically and without expanding the agenda beyond nuclear concerns.
As talks resume in Geneva, the coming days could prove decisive for regional stability and the future of U.S.–Iran relations.
0 टिप्पणियाँ