Geneva, 26 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Iran and the United States are entering a crucial round of nuclear negotiations on Thursday, with delegations from both countries set to meet again in Geneva against the backdrop of heightened military tensions.

This marks the third round of indirect talks this year, once again mediated by the Gulf state of Oman. In previous rounds, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi acted as an intermediary, relaying messages between the two sides.

A team led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is negotiating for Iran, while the US side is represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is also expected in Geneva after holding preparatory talks with Araghchi last week.

The negotiations are focused on the controversial Iranian nuclear programme.

The US and its Western allies aim to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies pursuing such ambitions and insists its programme is civilian, but has signalled willingness to accept limitations — including restricting uranium enrichment to low levels, as previously agreed under the 2015 deal that Trump withdrew from in 2018.

However, Tehran has drawn several red lines. It refuses to fully dismantle its uranium enrichment infrastructure and considers its missile programme non-negotiable, viewing it as its main deterrent capability. Iran also rejects discussions on ending support for regional militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In return for nuclear concessions, Tehran is demanding relief from severe economic sanctions that have largely cut the country off from global financial markets, deterred investment and contributed to a deep economic crisis that has eroded the middle class and pushed parts of the population towards poverty.

Risk of regional war

Beyond sanctions relief, Iran’s leadership is also seeking to avert the risk of war.

A week ago, Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran, setting a 10–15 day deadline. "We're either going to get a deal or it's going to be unfortunate for them," he said, warning that otherwise "bad things" could happen.

Iranian leaders have warned of escalation if attacked.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has threatened a “comprehensive war” if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were targeted. Khamenei himself cautioned that any US-initiated conflict would turn into a regional war, while insisting Iran does not seek one.

Failure to reach a breakthrough could increase the likelihood of military confrontation.

In recent weeks, the United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers, dozens of fighter jets and support aircraft — reportedly the largest US air force buildup in the region since the 2003 Iraq War.

Switzerland, the host of the talks, is regarded by Tehran as a neutral intermediary and represents US interests in Iran, where Washington has no diplomatic mission.

Photo: dpa