Iran Says Talks With US in Geneva May Include Energy, Mining, and Aircraft Deals

Oman will act as a mediator in the second round of talks between the US and Iran over the nuclear program.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The United States is conducting a second round of talks with Iran over its nuclear program later this week in Geneva, with Oman acting as a mediator. Iranian officials say the talks may include discussions on energy, mining, and aircraft deals, as they seek a nuclear deal that would benefit both nations economically.

Why it matters

The talks in Geneva represent a continuation of diplomatic efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute over Iran's nuclear program, which has led to years of economic sanctions and heightened tensions between the US and Iran. A potential deal could have significant economic implications for both countries.

The details

Hamid Ghanbari, an Iranian foreign ministry official, said Tehran is pursuing a nuclear deal with Washington that would benefit both nations economically, including in areas such as oil and gas, mining investments, and even aircraft purchases. The previous nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, did not secure America's economic interests, according to Ghanbari. The talks will involve only the US and Iran, with Oman acting as a mediator, unlike the previous multilateral negotiations.

  • The talks are scheduled to take place this week in Geneva.
  • The first round of indirect talks between the US and Iran was held on February 6.

The players

Hamid Ghanbari

Iranian foreign ministry deputy director for economic diplomacy.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who withdrew the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and reimposed strict economic sanctions on Iran.

Marco Rubio

The current US Secretary of State, who confirmed that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be meeting with Iranian officials in Geneva this week.

Steve Witkoff

A US envoy who will be meeting with Iranian officials in Geneva this week.

Jared Kushner

A US envoy who will be meeting with Iranian officials in Geneva this week.

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What they’re saying

“For the sake of an agreement's durability, it is essential that the U.S. also benefits in areas with high and quick economic returns.”

— Hamid Ghanbari, Iranian foreign ministry deputy director for economic diplomacy (Fars news agency)

“No one's ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran, but we're going to try.”

— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State (N/A)

“The ball is 'in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal,'”

— Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister (BBC)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.