US and Iran nuclear talks at critical stage amid threat of Trump tearing up terms of success

In February 2026, the White House reaffirmed that the June 2025 US strikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program. This statement comes days after a senior Trump aide, Steve Witkoff, claimed Iran was only a week away from having enough material to build a nuclear bomb. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities was an "overwhelmingly successful mission" and that its destruction was verified by Trump and the IAEA. Despite the claimed success of the strikes, US and Iranian officials are currently engaged in talks to reach a nuclear deal and prevent future conflict. The US maintains vigilance to ensure Iran does not re-establish a nuclear program.

Anti-government protests are building across Iran as nuclear negotiations with the U.S. are set to resume in Geneva on Thursday. Demonstrators are expressing anger over economic hardship and repression. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed defiance, stating Tehran would not bow to external pressure regarding its nuclear program. The U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Middle East as negotiations, mediated by Oman, aim to address Iran's nuclear program amid rising regional tensions. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out abandoning uranium enrichment and rejected U.S. demands to include Iran's ballistic missile program in negotiations. The U.S. special envoy warned that Iran could be close to having bomb-making material.

President Trump is considering airstrikes against Iran, with the final decision partly influenced by the advice of special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding Iran's commitment to nuclear negotiations. Trump is weighing limited strikes to pressure Iran or a larger attack for regime change if a deal isn't reached. Iran has threatened strong retaliation to any US attack, including potentially sinking a US warship. The US is preparing for "last-ditch" negotiations with Iran on Thursday. Additionally, a 15% tariff announced by Trump has not yet been implemented but could be enacted at any time.

Iran's deputy foreign minister vowed that Iran will do "whatever it takes" to reach a nuclear deal with the U.S. ahead of planned talks in Geneva on Thursday. The Iranian delegation, along with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet to discuss the nuclear program. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump prefers diplomacy with Iran but is prepared to use military force if necessary. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed Iran's commitment to peaceful nuclear technology and denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons. He expressed optimism for a fair deal that addresses mutual concerns, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing diplomacy.

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, according to Oman's foreign minister. This follows a previous round of talks held in Geneva last week, facilitated by Oman. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected and that a diplomatic solution regarding the nuclear issue remains possible. Araghchi stated that Iran is working on a draft proposal and maintains its right to enrich uranium. The Trump administration has been pushing for concessions from Iran and has increased the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Armed police and security forces have been deployed to Iranian universities to suppress ongoing student protests against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For four days, students have engaged in demonstrations, leading to clashes with state-backed militias and closures of in-person classes at some universities. Protesters are chanting slogans demanding the release of political prisoners and criticizing the government. These protests coincide with upcoming nuclear program talks in Geneva between Iranian and US officials. Iran's attorney general has called for decisive action against the protesters, accusing them of being influenced by enemies of the state. The unrest occurs as the US increases its military presence in the region, potentially impacting the outcome of the nuclear negotiations.

On February 16, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly outlined his demands for any US-Iran nuclear deal as a second round of talks between the US and Iran began in Geneva. Speaking to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Netanyahu stated that any agreement must include the removal of all enriched material from Iran and the dismantling of all enrichment infrastructure. He also emphasized the need to resolve the issue of ballistic missiles and called for sustained, effective inspections of Iran's nuclear program. These comments followed a meeting between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump the previous week, and come after resumed nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman on February 6.

An Iranian official stated that Iran is open to a nuclear deal with the U.S. if the U.S. demonstrates a willingness to lift sanctions. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the ball is in the U.S.'s court to prove their sincerity. These comments came as Iranian diplomats traveled to Geneva for a second round of indirect talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman. Iran has offered to dilute its uranium stockpile as a sign of compromise, but insists talks focus on the nuclear issue and that zero enrichment is off the table. The U.S. has emphasized that Iran is holding up progress in negotiations. Past diplomatic efforts collapsed in 2025 after military conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the U.S., mediated by Oman. The talks follow a previous round in Oman and stalled negotiations last year after a war that included U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. The U.S. insists Iran cannot enrich uranium, while Iran maintains its program is peaceful but has threatened to pursue nuclear weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Washington's interest in a diplomatic solution, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also traveling for the talks. The U.S. is also deploying military assets to the Middle East, described as a protective measure. Araghchi is expected to meet with Swiss, Omani, and IAEA counterparts.

The U.S. and Iran are set to resume nuclear talks in Switzerland on Tuesday amid heightened tensions. Negotiators, including U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet in Geneva. President Trump has stated that he will be involved "indirectly" and has warned Iran to reach an immediate agreement or face a possible U.S. attack. This comes after a buildup of U.S. forces in the region and a crackdown on Iranian protests. The talks aim to address Iran's nuclear program, but disagreements remain over Iran's ballistic missile program and support for proxy militias. Regional countries fear that a potential U.S. strike and Iranian retaliation could destabilize the Middle East.

Iran launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to assess readiness and rehearse responses to potential threats. The exercises coincided with renewed U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts in Geneva aimed at reviving nuclear program negotiations. The U.S. military, through CENTCOM, showcased its presence in the region, highlighting the USS Abraham Lincoln conducting continuous flight operations in support of regional security. This display of force occurs amidst a U.S. military buildup ordered by President Trump, who has threatened military action if Iran doesn't agree to a nuclear deal. A second round of talks is expected to be held on Tuesday in Oman.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any nuclear deal with Iran must require them to relinquish all enriched uranium and prohibit future enrichment. His comments precede a second round of talks between Iranian and US officials in Switzerland. Iran has signaled a willingness to compromise if the US discusses lifting sanctions, though they consider zero enrichment a violation of their rights. The US has increased military presence in the Middle East and expressed a preference for a negotiated settlement. Ahead of the talks, Iran offered to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium, while maintaining that discussions about their nuclear program are contingent on sanctions relief.

Following nuclear talks in Geneva mediated by Oman, Iran is attempting to entice the US into a deal by framing it as a lucrative commercial opportunity. Iranian officials are highlighting access to the country's extensive energy and mineral resources, estimating a "trillion-dollar opportunity" for American companies. This approach is seen as a direct appeal to the deal-making tendencies of the former US President. An Iranian foreign ministry official emphasized the importance of economic benefits for the US to ensure the agreement's longevity, citing potential investments in oil, gas, and mining. Despite this overture, significant mistrust and political opposition in both countries remain obstacles to a successful agreement.

Iranian officials have stated that their missile programme is non-negotiable, indicating a potential sticking point in negotiations with the United States. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, made this statement during an event marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. The US has pushed for talks on both nuclear issues and regional alliances, including ballistic missile programmes, which Iran wants to focus solely on. A round of mediated talks between the two countries last week failed to yield a breakthrough. Washington is weighing another round of talks, with no date announced, as President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals on the negotiations. The US president has threatened military action if Iran does not meet US demands.

The United States and Iran will hold a second round of talks in Geneva this week regarding Tehran's nuclear program, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry. Oman will host the talks, following the first round of indirect discussions held there on February 6th. These talks follow warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that failure to reach an agreement would be "very traumatic." Similar talks broke down last year amidst escalating tensions, including military actions. Trump has repeatedly threatened military force to compel Iran to constrain its nuclear program, while Iran has vowed to retaliate against any attack.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday to discuss ongoing US nuclear talks with Iran. Netanyahu, seeking to influence the next round of discussions after negotiations in Oman, aimed to broaden the talks beyond Iran's nuclear program to include its missile arsenal and other security threats. Trump stated that he insisted negotiations with Iran continue to see if a deal can be reached, informing Netanyahu that a deal would be his preference. Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate. The meeting, closed to the press, lasted nearly three hours.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Iran will not halt uranium enrichment despite pressure from the United States, including the threat of military action. Speaking at a forum in Tehran, Araghchi expressed distrust of Washington and questioned the seriousness of renewed negotiations. He emphasized Iran's right to enrich uranium and asserted that the U.S. military presence in the region, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, would not intimidate them. The U.S. and Iran recently reopened negotiations in Oman on Friday, marking the first talks in years.

US President Donald Trump shared an article indicating the Pentagon is preparing to deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln. This move comes amid ongoing indirect negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman, aimed at easing tensions. The deployment follows a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has advocated for a tougher stance against Iran. While Trump reaffirmed his preference for a diplomatic deal with Iran, he also stated that the US would "see what the outcome will be" if a deal cannot be reached. Iran has accused Israel of attempting to sabotage the US negotiations.

President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet at the White House on Wednesday for high-stakes talks primarily focused on Iran. The meeting occurs as the U.S. weighs diplomatic options against potential military action, while Israel seeks to influence the scope of any negotiations. Trump has indicated Iran "very much wants to reach a deal," but warned of potential consequences if an agreement isn't reached. Netanyahu intends to present Israel's position on essential principles for negotiations, emphasizing regional peace and security. The meeting follows resumed U.S.-Iran talks in Oman amid ongoing U.S. military presence in the Gulf. While the U.S. views Iran as a global security challenge, Israel is concerned about Iran's nuclear program, missile arsenal, and regional proxies.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied that his country is seeking a nuclear weapon during a speech marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution. The address came after authorities cracked down on mass protests, with Pezeshkian acknowledging "great sorrow" over the actions taken against demonstrators. The protests have triggered an unprecedented crisis for the regime, as negotiations with the US hang in the balance. Pezeshkian sought to convey a message of national unity during his speech, which was addressed to crowds gathered across Iran. The events follow recent demonstrations that roiled the country, highlighting a significant challenge to the Iranian government's authority. The situation remains uncertain, with the future of negotiations with the US remaining unclear.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Iran's strength lies in resisting pressure from major powers, emphasizing the country's ability to reject demands amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program. Araghchi's remarks, delivered at a summit in Tehran, suggest Iran will maintain its stance on uranium enrichment, a key point of contention. His statement comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had characterized recent talks with the US in Oman as positive. The US has deployed military assets to the Middle East to pressure Iran toward an agreement. Araghchi rhetorically described Iran's power as its ability to "say no," even invoking the term "atomic bomb" in that context, despite Iran's official stance against pursuing nuclear weapons.

On February 11, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned what he described as a "conspiracy from imperial powers" during a rally marking the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The speech took place amidst celebrations in Iran following weeks of threats of military action from the United States. Pezeshkian specifically criticized intervention by "alien Westerners." The president's remarks were delivered during a period of heightened tension between Iran and Western powers. The anniversary celebrations served as a backdrop for the president to voice his concerns regarding foreign influence.