Yet another mid-talks attack jeopardises chances of Iran taking Trump seriously

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that the United States must drop "excessive demands" to reach a successful nuclear agreement. Aragchi emphasized the need for seriousness and realism from the US side during a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart. This statement follows recent indirect talks between Iranian and US officials in Geneva, mediated by Oman, where both sides agreed to continue discussions on sanctions and nuclear-related steps. Further negotiations will occur alongside technical team meetings in Vienna. The US seeks a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, limits on ballistic missiles, and a cessation of support for regional allies, while Iran has shown flexibility on uranium enrichment but considers missiles and proxies non-negotiable.

Marco Rubio instructed US ambassadors in the Middle East to limit public commentary that could escalate tensions and hinder nuclear deal negotiations with Iran. The directive, issued on February 23rd, urged restraint in public statements, interviews, and social media activity. This followed concerns within the White House that recent remarks by US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, regarding Israel's territorial rights, could negatively impact negotiations. The memo was sent after Huckabee's comments drew condemnation across the Middle East. The directive comes as Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are trying to negotiate a nuclear deal to stave off a military conflict. The latest round of talks between the US and Iran in Geneva on Thursday appeared to be largely unsuccessful.

Amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, the UK has temporarily withdrawn staff from its embassy in Tehran, which will continue to operate remotely. The US embassy in Israel has also advised some non-emergency staff to leave. These actions follow warnings from multiple countries, including China, India, and Canada, advising their citizens to leave Iran due to potential hostilities. The US and Iran recently held indirect talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, in an effort to de-escalate the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. While Oman cited "significant progress" and Tehran hailed "good progress," the US has not yet issued an official response. The US has also ordered a significant military build-up in the Middle East, while Iran has vowed to respond forcefully to any attack.

Amid rising tensions and potential conflict with Iran, the United States authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its embassy in Israel on Friday. This decision coincides with a significant US military build-up in the Middle East, including the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier off the Israeli coast. The embassy cited "safety risks" as the reason for the authorized departure, advising individuals to consider leaving while commercial flights are available. The move follows Oman-mediated talks between the US and Iran aimed at de-escalating the situation, although disagreements remain. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran.

The U.S. State Department authorized the departure of non-essential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Friday due to potential Iranian strikes. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee advised embassy staff to leave as soon as possible, citing an "abundance of caution" and anticipating high demand for flights. The embassy also reiterated the State Department's existing travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. The advisory specifically warns against travel to Gaza, northern Israel near the Lebanese and Syrian borders, and areas near the Egyptian border, citing ongoing security risks and potential attacks. The State Department's warning highlights the continued threat from terrorist groups and violent extremists targeting various locations within Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated he doesn't believe potential military action against Iran would lead to a prolonged Middle Eastern war, according to a Washington Post interview. Vance acknowledged President Trump's options range from military strikes to diplomacy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. His comments come as the US and Iran held a third round of indirect talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, to address Iran's nuclear program. The US aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran seeks relief from economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. No breakthrough was reported during the talks, but further discussions are planned for next week.

Representatives from various countries met in Geneva this week to negotiate the future of Iran's nuclear program. While Iranian officials cited progress in the discussions, the marathon session ultimately concluded without a final agreement. The talks aimed to address concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and ensure compliance with international regulations. Despite the lack of a deal, the involved parties continue to express a commitment to finding a resolution through further diplomatic engagement. The goal of the negotiations is to establish a framework that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons while allowing them peaceful nuclear energy capabilities.

The US and Iran concluded indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, aimed at reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and preventing potential conflict. While the US seeks to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions, Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium and refuses to discuss other issues like missile development. Oman's foreign minister indicated "significant progress" and announced technical-level talks will resume in Vienna next week. The talks occur amidst rising tensions, with the US increasing its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has warned that US bases and Israel would be targeted if attacked, raising the specter of a regional war. Both sides acknowledge the devastating consequences of a potential conflict.

US and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Geneva today for critical talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. Iran maintains a deal is possible if the US adheres to three preconditions: acknowledging Iran's right to enrich uranium, allowing dilution of its enriched uranium stockpile, and refraining from controlling Iran's ballistic missile program. However, Trump's recent statements, including accusations of Iranian support for terrorism and claims about the country's nuclear ambitions, diverge from previous negotiating approaches. These discussions occur amidst ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the path forward. Democrats have responded critically, accusing Trump of hypocrisy regarding fraud, given his administration's actions.

Talks between Iran and the US concluded in Geneva with officials citing significant progress, but Iranian state television reported that Tehran will continue enriching uranium and rejected proposals to transfer it abroad. The negotiations, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, resulted in a next meeting set for Vienna within days. Senior US officials described the third round as "positive," while Iran pushed for the lifting of international sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented a draft proposal with key demands, but details remain unclear. The talks come amid tensions between the two nations over Iran's nuclear program and US President Donald Trump's demands for curbs on enrichment. A next meeting is scheduled to take place in Vienna soon.

A new AP-NORC poll reveals that many American adults remain concerned about Iran's nuclear program as the U.S. and Iran resume nuclear talks in Geneva. The poll, conducted February 19-23, found that roughly half of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" concerned that Iran's nuclear program poses a direct threat to the United States. Despite this concern, the poll indicates that many Americans do not have high trust in President Donald Trump's judgment regarding the use of military force abroad. The U.S. seeks a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran maintains it isn't pursuing weapons. Trump, who previously withdrew from an earlier nuclear agreement, has threatened military action to constrain Iran's atomic program.

US and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Geneva for Oman-mediated nuclear talks, the third such meeting since June 2025. These discussions follow the US joining Israel's war against Iran and bombing Iranian nuclear and military sites, actions that initially halted previous negotiation attempts. Oman is mediating due to its neutral stance and vulnerability to regional instability. The talks aim to achieve a nuclear peace agreement, but the outcome remains uncertain. Failure could lead to potential US military action against Iran, raising concerns about wider regional conflict and Iranian retaliation, potentially including attacks on Israel.

The US and Iran are engaging in a third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The US delegation includes envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran's representation is led by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. These talks are viewed as a crucial opportunity for diplomacy amidst rising tensions, as the US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying aircraft and warships. The US aims to delay Iran's nuclear program, while Iran seeks a peaceful resolution, warning that conflict would be devastating. The talks occur against a backdrop of economic hardship in Iran, with rising prices for essential goods.

On February 26, 2026, negotiators from the United States and Iran are scheduled to begin a third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, Switzerland. These discussions aim to address the Iranian nuclear program. The talks are occurring against a backdrop of heightened tensions, including a significant US military build-up in the Middle East. Several countries have issued warnings to their citizens, advising them to leave Iran due to concerns about potential US military action. The negotiations seek to de-escalate the situation and find a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, facilitated by Oman. The talks aim to find a diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Despite both sides expressing a preference for diplomacy, tensions remain high. The US Vice President accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program and reiterated that all options are on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting individuals, entities, and vessels allegedly involved in financing Iran's oil sales, ballistic missile program, and weapons production. Iran maintains it is not seeking nuclear weapons and will not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology.

US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, amid rising tensions and a US military build-up in the Middle East. The discussions are a last-ditch effort to prevent conflict as President Trump threatens potential military action if a nuclear deal isn't reached. The US demands Iran halt uranium enrichment, while Iran has hinted at possible concessions regarding its nuclear program. The Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the US will be represented by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks occur against a backdrop of increased US military presence in the region and long-standing accusations that Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.

The US has expanded travel warnings to several countries, including Australia, as tensions between Washington and Iran continue to escalate. The Australian government has advised dependants of diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave both countries, while offering voluntary departures for dependants of diplomats in the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. The US has also suspended non-essential staff from its embassy in Lebanon. Airlines have scaled back flights to the region, with KLM temporarily suspending flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. Several countries, including Cyprus, Germany, India, Poland, Serbia, and Sweden, have advised their nationals to leave Iran. These measures come ahead of critical talks over Iran's nuclear program, which began on Wednesday, amid mounting concerns about a potential military conflict between the US and Iran.