Iran FM says Tehran ready for deal with US with peaceful nuclear enrichment

In an interview on February 8, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to reach a deal with the United States regarding its nuclear program. Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic following talks in Oman, Araghchi indicated Tehran would agree to a deal that permits peaceful nuclear enrichment. However, he rejected the idea that the U.S. should have the authority to determine the range of Iran's missile production. The purpose of the proposed deal is to find a resolution to the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. The location of the interview was not stated.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed Iran's readiness for further nuclear negotiations with the US, following mediated discussions in Oman. He emphasized Iran's right to nuclear development under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while also stating that Iran will not respond well to force. Iranian officials are signaling a preference for nuclear-focused talks, rejecting any US military build-up in the region. This comes as Iran approaches the anniversary of its 1979 revolution, with planned state-organized demonstrations. Abbas Araghchi, a top Iranian diplomat, stated that Iran will continue nuclear enrichment for civilian use, even if it risks military attacks, emphasizing the country's commitment to independence.

In February 2026, Iran and the US held talks in Muscat, Oman, their first high-level diplomatic engagement since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. While no breakthroughs were achieved, both sides agreed to meet again. Iran sought to focus solely on the nuclear file, while the US aimed for a comprehensive framework including ballistic missiles, regional armed groups, and human rights. The US delegation included Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, signaling military pressure as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group operated nearby. Despite the resumption of diplomacy, significant differences remain, raising questions about whether the talks bought time or laid a foundation for future progress.

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.

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss American talks with Iran. This meeting follows indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Netanyahu believes any negotiations should limit Iran's ballistic missiles and end its support for militant groups. Trump called the initial talks "very good" and indicated more are planned. Tensions remain high, with Iran's foreign minister warning against a U.S. attack and the U.S. bringing its top military commander to the negotiating table for the first time.

In February 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's missile program is "non-negotiable" in upcoming talks with the United States, which are set to resume following mediated discussions in Oman. Araghchi warned that Iran would target US military bases in the Middle East if attacked. Despite Trump calling the talks "very good", the US imposed tariffs on countries trading with Iran and announced new sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports. While Araghchi described the initial talks as "a good start," he emphasized the need to build trust. Experts express skepticism about the potential for a new deal, citing strong US pressure and Iranian unwillingness to concede on its nuclear enrichment program, which it considers an "inalienable right."

In February 2026, the U.S. and Iran engaged in talks in Oman regarding Iran's nuclear program. Despite heightened tensions and a U.S. military buildup in the region, both sides agreed to continue discussions, aiming for a framework for future talks. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium and refuses to negotiate on ballistic missiles. While President Trump called the talks a "good start" and stated Iran must agree to no nuclear weapons, his position appears to contradict his negotiators' demand that Iran cease all enrichment. The talks represent a diplomatic approach amidst regional tensions, but significant disagreements remain.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that Iran would target U.S. bases in the region if attacked by American forces. This warning followed Araghchi's announcement that indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman were a positive initial step and would continue. According to Araghchi, Iran would not attack neighboring countries, but specifically U.S. bases stationed within them. The U.S. had previously attacked Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to a retaliatory Iranian attack on a U.S. airbase in Qatar. Omani officials facilitated separate meetings between Iranian and American representatives to foster conditions for resuming diplomatic and technical negotiations aimed at achieving regional security and stability.

President Trump signed an executive order on Friday threatening tariffs on countries that trade with Iran. The order allows for tariffs, potentially as high as 25%, on goods imported into the US from nations that do business with Iran. This action aims to hold Iran accountable for its nuclear ambitions, support for terrorism, and regional destabilization. The order comes amid ongoing talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman, the first such meeting since June. These talks, mediated by Oman, seek to clarify positions and identify areas for progress, with further discussions planned for next week. Trump stated that Iran seems eager to make a deal but faces steep consequences if they don't.

The US and Iran have begun indirect, high-stakes talks in Oman, mediated by Omani diplomats, regarding Iran's nuclear program. These negotiations are considered a crucial opportunity to de-escalate tensions and potentially prevent a US military strike. While the US initially sought to broaden the discussion to include Iran's missile program and regional activities, Iran insisted on focusing solely on the nuclear dispute, at least initially. The talks occur amidst heightened tensions, including a build-up of US naval presence and warnings from the US regarding potential military action if progress isn't made. Iran seeks assurances that the US isn't using the talks as a pretext for regime change, especially after previous talks were halted due to attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman over Tehran's nuclear programme on Friday, facilitated by Oman as a mediator. The talks were described by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as "a very good start". US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, represented the US side at the meeting. The discussions focused on finding a way to hold future negotiations, seemingly returning to where talks began months ago before Israel launched its war on Iran in June. US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper attended the meeting, marking an unusual development that may signal Washington's willingness to strike Iran if negotiations fail. The US has demonstrated military firepower in the region, raising questions about whether attacks could force Iran to change its ways or topple its government.

US and Iranian officials are meeting in Muscat, Oman, on February 6, 2026, for critical talks aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing potential war. The discussions occur amidst escalating tensions and a US military buildup in the Gulf. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump's advisors, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are participating in the talks. The focus of the negotiations is expected to be Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The talks are being held in Oman in an effort to mediate and find a diplomatic solution to the growing conflict.

Satellite imagery analyzed by The New York Times reveals that Iran has been rapidly repairing missile facilities damaged in strikes by Israel and the U.S. last year, while repairs to nuclear sites have been slower. The analysis, corroborated by experts, examined approximately two dozen locations targeted during a conflict in June 2025. The swift missile site repairs suggest Iran prioritizes maintaining its ability to retaliate against potential future attacks on its nuclear facilities. Limited progress has been observed in restoring Iran's capacity to enrich nuclear fuel or develop a nuclear warhead. These developments occur as the U.S. maintains a military presence in the region and as the U.S. and Iran are expected to meet in Oman to discuss the Iranian nuclear program.

In February 2026, Al Jazeera reported on the perspectives of Iranians in Tehran regarding the potential for war with the United States. The report explored Iranian sentiment concerning the threat of a US attack and their level of optimism regarding ongoing talks between the two nations in Oman. The interviews aimed to capture the public's mood amidst heightened tensions and diplomatic efforts. The article provides a snapshot of Iranian public opinion during a period of uncertainty.

Iranian state media announced the deployment of the Khorramshahr-4, a long-range ballistic missile with a 2,000 km range and 1,500 kg warhead capacity, in an underground Revolutionary Guards "missile city" on Wednesday. This deployment coincides with a shift in Iran's military doctrine towards a more offensive posture. Simultaneously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi departed for Oman to hold nuclear talks with the United States on Friday. While both countries have agreed to talks, they remain divided on the scope of negotiations, with the US seeking to include Iran's missile arsenal and Iran limiting the discussion to its nuclear program. Iran stated its intention to engage in the talks with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable understanding.

Talks between the US and Iran are set to resume in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, following a period of heightened tensions including US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. The Trump administration is reportedly entering these talks with "maximalist demands" that extend beyond Iran's nuclear program. These demands include limiting Iran's ballistic missile program and ending support for regional proxies. Analysts suggest the US believes Iran is weakened, creating an opportunity to extract significant concessions. The US delegation includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US is ready to talk, but any meaningful agreement must address ballistic missiles and support for terrorism.

US-Iran nuclear talks are scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday, confirmed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The meeting, set for 10 am in Muscat, follows earlier uncertainty due to disagreements over format and location. The US confirmed its participation, shifting the venue from the originally planned Turkiye. Mediators from Qatar, Turkiye, and Egypt have presented a framework for discussion, including limiting uranium enrichment, restrictions on ballistic missiles, and the arming of regional allies. These talks occur amid heightened regional tensions and the potential for a US attack on Iran following recent protests and a US military buildup.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's leaders that they should be "very worried" as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran are set to take place later this week. The talks, scheduled for Friday morning in Muscat, Oman, follow repeated threats by Trump to strike the country if it does not agree to a nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had requested the discussions be moved from Turkey to Oman and exclude regional countries. The US and Iran plan to meet in Oman on Friday to discuss a nuclear deal. The talks were initially scheduled for Turkey, but were later confirmed for Oman. Diplomatic efforts have been ongoing between the two nations following repeated threats by Trump.

Scheduled US-Iran talks are at risk of collapsing after the US rejected Iran's request to move the location from Turkey to Oman and exclude the presence of other Arab states. Iran insists the talks focus solely on its nuclear program, excluding discussions on its ballistic missile program and other issues the US wants to address. The US Secretary of State stated that any meaningful talks must include discussions on Iran's ballistic missiles, support for terrorist organizations, nuclear program, and treatment of its people. A US envoy will now travel to Doha and return to Washington without meeting Iranian officials. The dispute raises uncertainty about whether the talks can proceed as planned.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Iran requested a change in venue for nuclear talks with the U.S., moving from a previously agreed-upon location in Turkey. Reports indicate Iran prefers Oman for the talks, potentially limiting participation to a bilateral U.S.-Iran format. Rubio stated the U.S. is prepared to engage with Iran, outlining key discussion points including Iran's ballistic missiles, support for terrorism, nuclear program, and treatment of its citizens. He also addressed anti-regime protests in Iran, crediting former President Trump's stance with preventing executions, while highlighting the disconnect between the Iranian leadership and its people. Rubio noted Iran's economic issues stem from its funding of terrorism and proxy groups.

The United States and Iran are expected to hold nuclear talks in Oman on Friday amid rising tensions. The talks come as the US military increases its presence in the Middle East and President Trump warns of potential consequences if a deal isn't reached. Iran has stated it will not compromise on its ballistic missile program, which it considers a red line. The US agreed to move the talks from Turkey at Iran's request, with ongoing discussions about including other regional Arab and Muslim countries. The US military recently shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

Following threats of military action from US leader Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the commencement of nuclear talks with the United States. The decision comes amid heightened tensions after Iran's response to recent anti-government protests. According to reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Istanbul on Friday to discuss a potential agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program. Trump has stated his hope for a deal, while also warning that time is running out for Iran to address concerns about its nuclear ambitions, which the West suspects are aimed at developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. Both sides have expressed a preference for diplomacy, though Iran has vowed to respond forcefully to any aggression.

In early February 2026, Iran indicated potential progress towards renewed nuclear talks with the United States. Tehran stated it is considering regional proposals aimed at de-escalating tensions with Washington and anticipates a framework for discussions soon. This development follows a period of heightened tensions, including US military deployments and calls from President Trump for a deal on Iran's nuclear program. Indirect negotiations are reportedly underway, with regional countries mediating the exchange of messages. Iranian officials have been in contact with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye regarding these developments, and unconfirmed reports suggest the Iranian president has ordered the resumption of nuclear talks.

U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Istanbul on Friday to discuss de-escalating tensions between the two countries. The meeting aims to bring together President Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Senior officials from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt are also expected to attend. The talks represent a rare direct encounter amid heightened tensions, with President Trump threatening military action if Iran doesn't meet his demands regarding its nuclear program, missile development, and support for regional militias. Iran has so far refused to negotiate under threat, raising concerns about potential conflict.

As potential nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran gain traction, Iran has increased its regional threats while suppressing internal dissent. Senior Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to negotiate, possibly in Turkey with Saudi Arabia and Qatar mediating, after President Trump expressed hope for a deal to avert military action. However, Iran has also warned that any attack on its territory would trigger a regional conflict. Experts suggest this dual approach is a deliberate strategy to pressure the U.S. into negotiations and deter regional actors from supporting military action. The U.S. envoy is expected to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss Iran following meetings between Israeli and U.S. defense officials.