- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Geneva Today
By the People, for the People
Trump Envoys Head to Geneva to Negotiate Iran Nuclear Deal
Kushner and Witkoff to meet with Iranian officials in indirect talks
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading to Geneva this week for indirect negotiations with Iranian officials regarding Tehran's nuclear program. The talks represent a continuation of efforts initiated earlier this month in Muscat, Oman, which stalled over Iran's refusal to compromise on nuclear enrichment.
Why it matters
The Geneva talks come amidst heightened regional tensions and follow a recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, triggered by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. The US has increased sanctions and demonstrated military strength in the region, further complicating the negotiation environment.
The details
Representing Iran in the Geneva talks will be Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is also scheduled to meet with Swiss, Omani counterparts, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The talks will be 'indirect,' mirroring the format used in Oman, suggesting a cautious approach to direct engagement. After the Iran negotiations, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to shift their focus to US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine, also taking place in Geneva.
- The initial discussions in Muscat, Oman stalled on February 6th.
- The previous round of negotiations collapsed after a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in February.
The players
Steve Witkoff
A special envoy appointed by President Trump to lead negotiations with Iran.
Jared Kushner
President Trump's son-in-law and a senior advisor, also participating in the Iran negotiations.
Abbas Araghchi
Iran's Foreign Minister, representing the country in the Geneva talks.
USS Abraham Lincoln
A US aircraft carrier currently deployed in the Arabian Sea, signaling a significant US military presence in the region.
What they’re saying
“Discussions will be 'solely' focused on the nuclear issue, refusing to address concerns regarding its ballistic missile stockpile or the treatment of protesters.”
— Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister
“Araghchi has indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, but only if the US reduces its military pressure.”
— Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister
What’s next
The success of these talks hinges on whether both sides can find common ground on nuclear enrichment and de-escalate the broader regional tensions. The US has demanded an end to nuclear enrichment, a demand Iran has so far resisted.
The takeaway
The ongoing negotiations in Geneva represent a delicate diplomatic effort to address the complex and multifaceted tensions between the US and Iran, with the potential to impact regional stability and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
