Iran Says U.S. Has Not Asked It to Stop Enriching Uranium

According to Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, the U.S. did not demand a halt to uranium enrichment during nuclear deal talks in Switzerland this week, contradicting the Trump administration's public stance. Araghchi stated Iran is developing confidence-building measures to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful. However, a White House official disputed this, reiterating Trump's demand that Iran not have the capacity to enrich uranium or build nuclear weapons. While Iran reportedly offered to suspend enrichment for three to five years in exchange for sanctions relief, the U.S. has not confirmed this offer. The level of enrichment Washington is willing to permit remains a key point of contention.

Indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US, mediated by Oman, took place in Geneva on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported "good progress," stating that both sides reached a broad agreement on guiding principles for future negotiations. While acknowledging that narrowing the gaps between the countries will take time, he indicated a clear path forward with potential draft agreements to be exchanged. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed the meeting but emphasized that Iran has not yet acknowledged or worked through the red lines set by the US president. Vance stated that the US prefers diplomacy but retains the option of military action if diplomacy fails. Iran seeks relief from US sanctions, including the ban on oil purchases.

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.

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.

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss Iran. Trump believes Iran is interested in making a deal regarding its nuclear program, following indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman. Netanyahu plans to present Trump with Israel's "principles" for negotiations with Iran, urging for expanded talks. This meeting marks the seventh between Netanyahu and Trump during Trump's second term. The discussions come amid cautious optimism from both Tehran and Washington regarding potential negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

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.

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.

In an effort to increase pressure on Iran amid nuclear program discussions, Donald Trump has ordered the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group to the Middle East. The Ford, which recently participated in operations in the Caribbean, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, significantly increasing U.S. military presence. This deployment follows indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, with further talks anticipated but unscheduled. The decision also comes after Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss negotiations with Iran, who has expressed willingness to curb nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. While Iran has regained control after recent protests, Trump's focus has shifted to curbing Iran's nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the US and Iran prepare for further negotiations. Oman facilitated talks between the two countries last week, which Iran viewed as a gauge of Washington's seriousness and a basis for continued diplomacy. These talks follow Trump's earlier positioning of an aircraft carrier in the region, raising concerns about potential military action. Trump has stated that the US will have to take "very tough" action if a deal with Iran is not reached. The negotiations aim to avert further conflict between the two nations.

Activists report that at least 7,000 people have died in Iran due to the government's crackdown on nationwide protests. The protests coincide with the 47th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian theocracy faces pressure from both internal dissent and external forces, including the U.S., as President Trump has suggested sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Amidst the unrest, Iran's president has apologized for the crackdown, acknowledging the "great sorrow" it caused. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway, with U.S. officials meeting with Omani and Israeli counterparts to discuss negotiations with Iran.

In February 2026, Iran and the United States are preparing for another round of talks in Oman, aimed at de-escalating military tensions. According to an Iranian official, Iran prefers to stabilize the talks with the U.S. before including other regional nations, fearing a larger group could hinder focused negotiation. Regional mediators, however, see their role as future guarantors of any settlement, given their direct stake in regional stability. This approach differs from the 2015 nuclear agreement, as regional actors now have a more significant strategic interest in preventing conflict. In recent days, Iran has intensified diplomatic efforts with regional partners, including meetings with Russian and Turkish leaders.

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.

Iranian media reported that talks between Iran and the United States will be held in Oman on Friday. This comes amid heightened tensions following Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests, where activists report over 50,000 arrests and thousands of deaths. Despite these tensions, including the downing of an Iranian drone by the U.S. and an Iranian attempt to stop a U.S.-flagged ship, negotiations are expected to proceed. Oman has previously hosted nuclear talks between the two countries. While the U.S. has not confirmed the Oman talks, the White House indicated that negotiations were anticipated, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff planning to meet with Iranian officials.

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.

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.

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.

US and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Oman for direct talks amid rising tensions and fears of military conflict. The discussions, mediated by regional actors, aim to de-escalate the situation following a US military build-up in response to Iran's crackdown on protests. The US, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, seeks to address Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, regional activities, and human rights record. Iran, represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, wants to limit discussions to its nuclear program. This meeting marks the first between US and Iranian officials since June and is seen as a crucial opportunity to avert potential US military action.

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.