Third round of US-Iran nuclear talks opens in Geneva

• US and Iranian delegations meet for third indirect nuclear talks in Geneva.
• Discussions focus on sanctions relief, uranium enrichment limits, and ballistic missiles.
• Outcome remains uncertain, with potential to stabilize the region or trigger escalation.

Negotiators from the United States and Iran convened in Geneva on February 26, 2026, for the third round of indirect talks over Tehran's nuclear program. Mediated by Oman, the discussions aim to provide “convincing proof” addressing international concerns, potentially averting further escalation in the region.

Iranian Demands and Domestic Pressure

The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi and nuclear and legal experts. Tehran is seeking the lifting of US sanctions and has proposed a phased approach to its nuclear commitments. Officials stress the program is for civilian purposes and have offered concessions in exchange for economic relief, following domestic protests over rising costs earlier this year.

Read more: Second round of Iran-US indirect talks opens in Geneva

US Position and Security Concerns

The American team, headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and White House advisor Jared Kushner, is backed by national security and non-proliferation experts. US officials demand long-term limits on uranium enrichment and insist on addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program, describing its exclusion as a major obstacle. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any agreement must prevent a pathway to nuclear weapons development.

Indirect Talks Through Oman

Negotiations are conducted indirectly, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi shuttling proposals between the two sides. This approach allows dialogue without direct confrontation, reflecting the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran. Previous rounds in Oman and Geneva earlier this month showed limited progress, primarily through proposal exchanges.

Read more: No breakthrough in Geneva as US hardens line after talks

High Stakes Amid Sanctions, Military Pressure

The talks take place amid renewed US sanctions on Iranian oil and threats of military action from President Donald Trump, who demands Iran permanently renounce nuclear ambitions. Since withdrawing from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, the US has sought indefinite nuclear curbs, a significant shift from the original time-limited framework.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the negotiations as a chance to move beyond “neither war nor peace.” Vice President JD Vance reiterated a preference for diplomacy but stressed readiness for force if required. Analysts suggest this round could move from broad proposals to detailed agreements, although differences over missiles and sanctions remain deep. The outcome of the talks is uncertain, with success potentially stabilizing the region and easing Iran’s economic pressures, while failure risks further escalation amid ongoing US military deployments.