Iran Meets UN Nuclear Watchdog Ahead of Second Round of US Talks

Tehran signals openness to compromise on nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi met with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency, Rafael Grossi, in Geneva ahead of a second round of negotiations with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. Araghchi said he would also meet with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, as Oman is hosting the US-Iran talks. Iran also launched a second naval drill in weeks, testing its capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, as the US military buildup in the region continues.

Why it matters

The talks between Iran and the US come at a tense time, with both sides taking military actions that raise the risk of escalation. Iran's nuclear program and its regional influence through proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah remain key sticking points. Any breakthrough in the negotiations could ease tensions and lead to sanctions relief for Iran, while failure could heighten the chances of conflict.

The details

Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi met with IAEA chief Grossi, signaling a resumption of cooperation with the nuclear watchdog after Iran suspended all such ties following the June war with Israel. Araghchi said he has "real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal" with the US, but warned Iran won't accept "submission before threats." Iran also launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, which the US has warned against interfering with commercial shipping in the region.

  • On Monday, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi met with IAEA chief Grossi in Geneva.
  • On Tuesday, Araghchi is scheduled to meet with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, as Oman is hosting the second round of US-Iran talks.
  • Iran launched a second naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf on Monday.

The players

Abbas Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister who met with the IAEA chief and will participate in the US-Iran talks in Oman.

Rafael Grossi

Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog.

Badr al-Busaidi

Foreign Minister of Oman, which is hosting the second round of US-Iran talks.

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What they’re saying

“I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (X)

“The ball is in America's court. They have to prove they want to have a deal with us. If we see a sincerity on their part, I am sure that we will be on a road to have an agreement.”

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

What’s next

The second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran will take place on Tuesday in Oman. The US is also hosting talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The takeaway

The high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the US over Tehran's nuclear program continue, with both sides signaling a willingness to compromise but also maintaining tough stances. The outcome of these talks could have major implications for regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.