By Micah Jonah, February 25, 2026
Abbas Araghchi has said a deal between Iran and the United States is “within reach”, ahead of a new round of indirect talks in Geneva aimed at easing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
In a statement posted on social media, Araghchi described a “historic opportunity” to reach an unprecedented agreement, stressing that diplomacy must be prioritised. He reiterated that Iran would “under no circumstances” develop a nuclear weapon, while maintaining its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
The upcoming talks, mediated by Oman, will mark the third round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Omani officials have expressed hope that both sides will make progress towards finalising a deal.
Speaking during his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution but warned he would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. He accused Tehran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear capabilities despite US strikes in June 2025 that he claimed had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The negotiations come amid heightened military tensions. The US Navy has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the eastern Mediterranean, docking at a NATO base on Crete en route to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted military drills in the country’s south, describing the region as a “strong fortress”.
US envoy, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are representing Washington in the talks.
Observers say public sentiment in Iran is mixed, with concerns over the US military buildup alongside hopes that negotiations could help ease economic pressures following months of protests driven by hardship and financial instability.
