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.

President Trump is considering airstrikes against Iran, with the final decision partly influenced by the advice of special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding Iran's commitment to nuclear negotiations. Trump is weighing limited strikes to pressure Iran or a larger attack for regime change if a deal isn't reached. Iran has threatened strong retaliation to any US attack, including potentially sinking a US warship. The US is preparing for "last-ditch" negotiations with Iran on Thursday. Additionally, a 15% tariff announced by Trump has not yet been implemented but could be enacted at any time.

In February 2026, the White House reaffirmed that the June 2025 US strikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program. This statement comes days after a senior Trump aide, Steve Witkoff, claimed Iran was only a week away from having enough material to build a nuclear bomb. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities was an "overwhelmingly successful mission" and that its destruction was verified by Trump and the IAEA. Despite the claimed success of the strikes, US and Iranian officials are currently engaged in talks to reach a nuclear deal and prevent future conflict. The US maintains vigilance to ensure Iran does not re-establish a nuclear program.

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.

The United States is deploying a significant military force to the Middle East, including aircraft carriers and fighter jets, amid ongoing tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. President Trump has warned Iran to reach a deal regarding its nuclear ambitions, suggesting a possible 10-day timeframe for action. This military build-up is the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though ground troops are unlikely. The deployment provides President Trump with the option for a sustained military campaign against Iran, potentially in cooperation with Israel. The situation raises concerns about whether Iran can meet Trump's demands and whether the military presence will compel the US to take action.

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.

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.

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.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on February 20, 2026, that a diplomatic solution with the US is achievable regarding Iran's nuclear program, despite ongoing tensions. Speaking to US media, Araghchi criticized the US military build-up in the Middle East as "unnecessary and unhelpful," arguing it complicates reaching a fair agreement. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for peace and responds to respect, noting previous pressure tactics from the US have failed. These statements come amidst ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, described as positive by both sides, even as the US continues to deploy military assets to the region. President Trump acknowledged considering limited strikes against Iran, while Araghchi warned against such actions.

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.

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 February 2026, despite ongoing diplomatic talks, the Pentagon is actively preparing for a potential military conflict with Iran. This follows President Trump's threat to strike Iran if a nuclear deal isn't reached. The Pentagon is bolstering its forces in the Middle East, including deploying missile destroyers, missile defense systems, and submarines. This buildup aims to provide both offensive and defensive capabilities, addressing concerns about the vulnerability of American troops and allies in the region to Iranian retaliation. The preparations are occurring while diplomatic efforts continue between the US, Iran, Israel, and Arab nations.

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.

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.

Oman will host indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva next week, with Switzerland offering its services to facilitate dialogue. The US is pushing Iran to agree to a deal limiting its nuclear program. This follows previous indirect talks held in Oman on February 6, involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, mediated by Omani officials. The US has recently increased military pressure on Iran, with President Trump stating that a change of government in Iran would be beneficial. These talks come amid heightened tensions and military posturing in the region.