Iran Meets with UN Nuclear Watchdog Ahead of New US Talks

Tehran's top diplomat holds discussions in Geneva before second round of negotiations with Washington over nuclear program.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Geneva on Monday, ahead of a second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. Araghchi also said he would meet with Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi of Oman, which is hosting the upcoming US-Iran talks in Geneva.

Why it matters

The meeting between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog comes as the two countries prepare for another round of high-stakes talks over Iran's nuclear capabilities, which have been a source of tension and conflict for years. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for regional stability and global nonproliferation efforts.

The details

Araghchi, Iran's top diplomat, held talks with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Geneva on Monday, a day before the second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. The US-Iran talks are being hosted by Oman, and Araghchi said he would also meet with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi ahead of the discussions.

  • The meeting between Araghchi and Grossi took place on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The second round of US-Iran negotiations is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Abbas Araghchi

Iran's top diplomat and Foreign Minister.

Rafael Grossi

Director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog.

Badr al-Busaidi

Foreign Minister of Oman, the country hosting the upcoming US-Iran talks.

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What’s next

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Geneva.

The takeaway

The meeting between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog highlights the high stakes and complex diplomacy surrounding the upcoming US-Iran talks, which could have significant implications for regional stability and global nonproliferation efforts.