The second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran officially began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Omani Embassy in Geneva, Switzerland, mediated by the Sultanate of Oman. The talks represent a continuation of diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear program and related sanctions, resuming after an initial round in Muscat, Oman, earlier in February.
Anadolu Agency's reporter on the ground confirmed the start of proceedings, noting that the Iranian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived first at the venue, followed shortly by the American side. Both teams held separate meetings with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who is facilitating the indirect format—where delegations do not meet face-to-face but communicate through Omani intermediaries.
Iran's key demands in this round include the complete and verifiable lifting of all U.S. sanctions imposed since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, as well as discussions on confidence-building measures related to Tehran's nuclear activities. Iranian officials have emphasized that progress depends on tangible sanctions relief to restore economic benefits originally promised under the JCPOA.
The U.S. delegation is led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, with significant involvement from Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump. Kushner's participation underscores the administration's high-level interest in the process, building on Trump's stated goal of achieving a "better deal" than the 2015 agreement.
On the eve of the talks, President Trump commented while en route to Washington, telling reporters: "I'll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they'll be very important. We'll see what can happen." His remarks highlight the administration's direct oversight while maintaining the indirect structure preferred by Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, speaking earlier on Tuesday, confirmed that the primary focus remains the nuclear issue. He also disclosed that Foreign Minister Araghchi met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Vienna on Monday, February 16, to discuss technical aspects of Iran's nuclear file, including ongoing monitoring and verification challenges.
The resumption of diplomacy follows nearly eight months of suspension triggered by the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict in mid-2025. The first round in Muscat earlier this month was described by both sides as constructive, with positive assessments despite persistent gaps. The current talks occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including a notable U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf, which Iran has criticized as provocative.
Oman has long served as a trusted mediator in U.S.-Iran relations, having facilitated back-channel communications even during periods of acute hostility. The choice of Geneva as the venue for the second round provides a neutral European setting with established diplomatic infrastructure.
No immediate breakthroughs are expected from this round, but diplomats on both sides have expressed cautious optimism that sustained engagement could pave the way for de-escalation and eventual substantive agreements on sanctions relief, uranium enrichment limits, and enhanced IAEA access.
The negotiations are being closely watched internationally, given their implications for regional stability, global non-proliferation efforts, and energy markets. The talks are scheduled to continue over the coming days, with potential for further rounds if sufficient common ground emerges.
As indirect diplomacy unfolds, the outcome will likely influence broader Middle East dynamics, including relations with Israel, Gulf Arab states, and the international community.
