The United States and Iran meet this Tuesday, February 17, Geneva, under the mediation of Oman, for a second round of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. Donald Trump, who has been threatening Tehran with military intervention for several weeks, has warned that he will indirectly participate in the negotiations.

First modification: 02/17/2026 - 05:23

Second round. Iran and the United States begin a second round of talks on Tuesday, February 17 in Geneva to avoid the risk of US military intervention. The two rivals resumed dialogue on February 6 in Muscat, the capital of Oman, after an escalation of threats from both sides.

In light of these initial discussions, "we can cautiously conclude that the American position on the Iranian nuclear issue has become more realistic," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, quoted on Monday by the Irna news agency.

Donald Trump put pressure on Tehran on Monday night, specifying that he would participate "indirectly" in the negotiations. "They want to reach an agreement (...). I don't think they want to assume the consequences of not reaching an agreement," declared the American president.

Read alsoBefore another round of talks, Iran is open to a nuclear deal with the US.

Iranian military maneuvers

In addition to its diplomatic efforts, Iran's Revolutionary Guard deployed ships and helicopters on Monday and tested drones and missiles in a military exercise that appeared to be a show of force in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The maneuvers, whose duration was not specified, were aimed at preparing the Guard, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic, for possible military and security threats, according to state television, which broadcast the images.

Washington, for its part, maintains its military pressure (one aircraft carrier remains off the coast of Iran and another is preparing to set sail) and Donald Trump seems to keep his options open.

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For these new talks, the United States and Iran meet in Geneva, under the mediation of the Sultanate of Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Switzerland on Monday, where he met with his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi to explain the Islamic Republic's perspective and considerations on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. In this statement, he also mentioned Iran's determination to work towards results-oriented diplomacy to ensure the interests and rights of Iranians, as well as peace and stability in the region.

Also read EE. US bets on diplomacy with Iran while Netanyahu demands dismantling its nuclear program

Donald Trump threatens "traumatic consequences"

Western countries and Israel, considered by experts to be the only nuclear power in the Middle East, suspect that Iran intends to acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran denies harboring such ambitions, but insists on its "inalienable right" to develop a civil nuclear program and to enrich uranium, particularly for energy purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), to which it is a signatory.

Donald Trump issued numerous warnings after the bloody repression of mass protests in Iran in January, while leaving the door open to a diplomatic agreement, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear program. If no deal is reached, the US president threatened Iran with "traumatic" consequences and even openly raised the possibility of regime change on Friday. "It seems like it would be the best thing that could happen," he told the press when asked about a possible "regime change."

"What is not on the table is submission to threats," Abbas Araghchi insisted on Monday, ensuring that he was in Geneva "with real ideas to reach a fair and equitable agreement."

Read alsoIran begins military maneuvers in Hormuz before a new round of dialogue with the US.

Iran ready for compromise on nuclear issues

On the US side, envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner "are on the way," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday. "We will see what happens. We hope there is an agreement," he added.

The United States and Iran disagree on the content of their new talks. Iran just wants to address its nuclear program. Washington, like Israel, demands that Iran limit its ballistic missile program and stop supporting regional armed groups. Regarding the nuclear issue, Iran has expressed its willingness to reach an agreement on its reserves of highly enriched uranium, estimated at more than 400 kg and whose fate is uncertain, if Washington lifts the sanctions that are paralyzing the Iranian economy.

Read alsoIran: son of the last shah urges the US to act while his followers gather in Munich

With AFP

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