Iran tempts Trump with ‘trillion-dollar’ nuclear deal pitch

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.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is traveling to Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States. The talks, mediated by Oman, follow a previous round held in Oman last week. These discussions aim to address Iran's nuclear program, which has been a point of contention with the US. Tensions remain high, as previous talks broke down after reported Israeli actions against Iranian nuclear sites and threats of force from former US President Donald Trump. Concerns exist that any escalation could lead to a broader regional conflict, particularly given Iran's threats of retaliation and the potential for involvement from Gulf Arab countries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On February 11, 2026, Iran commemorated the 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide rallies. The annual event, marking the overthrow of the Shah and the rise of the current regime, occurred amidst heightened tensions. The United States, under President Trump, has deployed warships to the Persian Gulf, threatening military action if nuclear negotiations fail. Simultaneously, Iran is suppressing widespread anti-government protests from the previous month, resulting in thousands of deaths and numerous arrests, including members of the reformist movement. President Pezeshkian acknowledged public sorrow and the need to assist those harmed, while also criticizing Western propaganda and urging unity under Supreme Leader Khamenei.

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.

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.

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.

US and Iranian officials are set to hold high-stakes negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme in Oman. The talks come after a dispute over the agenda, which may hinder progress. The US had initially planned to discuss regime change, but later relented on this point. Iran is believed to be betting that the Trump administration does not have a plan for regime change. The negotiations are seen as a significant development in efforts to resolve tensions between the two countries. The talks will take place in Oman, with no further details on the agenda or expected outcomes released by either side.

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.

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.

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.