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

A recent joint US-Israeli attack on Iran during ongoing negotiations has jeopardized the possibility of a deal between Iran and the US. This attack, similar to one last year, raises doubts about the US's commitment to diplomacy with Iran. Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, attempted to salvage the talks by meeting with the US Vice President, JD Vance, and revealing details of a potential agreement, including Iran's agreement to limit uranium enrichment and allow verification access. While a preliminary agreement was within reach, the attack undermines trust and makes future negotiations challenging, particularly given Iran's perspective that diplomacy with the US is ineffective. The potential deal did not address human rights, Iran's ballistic missile program, or its support for proxy forces.

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.

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 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.

Amidst ongoing nuclear talks between the US and Iran, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on February 23, 2026, that while Tehran seeks a diplomatic resolution, it will defend itself against any US aggression. This statement followed President Trump's consideration of a limited strike if a nuclear deal isn't reached. Iran considers any US attack, even limited, an act of aggression warranting a response. Despite the tensions, Iranian President Pezeshkian noted "encouraging signals" from the talks. Indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, are scheduled to continue in Geneva on Thursday, though US confirmation is pending. The talks occur against the backdrop of a significant US military build-up in the region.

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.

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.

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Iran would not yield to US pressure regarding its nuclear program. His statement followed threats from US President Donald Trump, who is considering military strikes to force a deal, and the increasing US military presence in the region. Indirect talks between Iran and the US resumed in Oman and Switzerland this month, but failed to achieve a breakthrough despite positive descriptions from both sides. While Iran aims to finalize a draft deal soon, residents in Tehran are concerned about the possibility of war, fearing further economic hardship and uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump is considering a limited military strike on Iran amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program. This follows a naval build-up in the Middle East, intended to pressure Iran into a deal to limit its nuclear ambitions. Trump previously issued a deadline for Tehran to agree to a deal, which he later extended. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister stated that a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready within days, following negotiations in Geneva. The draft would then be submitted to Trump's Middle East negotiator for review.

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.

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.

Amidst ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, President Trump stated on Friday that he is considering limited military strikes against Iran. This comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that a proposed deal could be ready within days. Araghchi stated that serious negotiations on the text could begin within a week, potentially leading to a conclusion. Tensions between the two countries have increased as the Trump administration seeks concessions from Iran and has expanded its military presence in the Middle East. Both countries have expressed readiness for war if diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program fail.

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.

In February 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has approximately 10 days to reach a deal with the US or face potential military action. Speaking at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., Trump argued that previous US-Israeli strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities facilitated a ceasefire in Gaza and broader peace in the Middle East. His statement follows indirect talks between the US and Iran in Geneva, where Iran reported progress towards an agreement. Despite these talks, the US continues to build up its military presence in the Gulf region. While Iran has signaled willingness to curb uranium enrichment under international inspection, the US opposes any Iranian enrichment and seeks limits on Tehran's missile arsenal, which Iran considers non-negotiable.

A recent report by Axios suggests that a full-scale US attack on Iran may be closer than many realize, despite ongoing negotiations. This assessment, coupled with the build-up of US military assets in the Middle East, is seen by some as coercive diplomacy aimed at pressuring Iran. While Iran insists it won't negotiate under duress, it claims to be engaging constructively, citing its willingness to continue discussions in Geneva and its ongoing dialogue with the IAEA regarding nuclear site inspections and uranium stockpile dilution. The Iranian foreign ministry stated that the US delegation shortened the Geneva talks to attend to negotiations with Ukraine and Russia. The IAEA acknowledges progress but emphasizes the urgency of the situation.

The US military is reportedly preparing for potential sustained strikes against Iran if ordered by President Trump, raising concerns about escalating conflict. This development coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman in Geneva on Tuesday. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged Trump's preference for a deal but noted its difficulty. The US has been increasing its military presence in the Middle East, including deploying an additional aircraft carrier and troops. Trump has publicly suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran, though he has expressed reluctance to deploy ground troops, indicating potential air and naval strikes.

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.

In February 2026, US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Following the meeting, Trump stated that "nothing definitive" was reached, but he insisted that negotiations with Iran would continue. This was Trump's sixth time hosting Netanyahu in the US since the start of his second term. The meeting occurred shortly after indirect talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman, aimed at de-escalating potential military conflict. While Netanyahu has advocated for further military action against Iran, Trump expressed hope for a deal but also alluded to potential military action if negotiations fail, referencing previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Following indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman, a top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, traveled to Oman. Larijani, secretary to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Omani officials, including Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, to likely discuss the next steps after the initial talks. Iranian media reported Larijani was delivering an important message, but later stated Oman handed him a letter without specifying its origin. Larijani also criticized Israel's "destructive role" in the talks ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, D.C. Both U.S. and Iranian officials have described the initial talks as positive and suggested further discussions will occur. Larijani was also scheduled to travel to Qatar.

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.

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.

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani accused Israel of attempting to sabotage nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. Larijani made the accusation during a visit to Doha, Qatar, on February 12, 2026, stating that Israel aims to destabilize the region and provoke war. He claimed Israel's actions, including a past attack on Qatar, are intended to undermine the talks, which are at a sensitive stage. Larijani emphasized that Iran is only negotiating with the U.S., while Israel is trying to insert itself into the process. The accusation comes as Iran and the U.S. engage in indirect negotiations in Oman, and as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with U.S. President Trump to discuss principles related to Iran.