Iran and US Reach Understanding on Nuclear Talks in Geneva

Progress made on 'guiding principles' but a deal is not imminent, says Iranian Foreign Minister

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main 'guiding principles' in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. The indirect discussions between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside Araqchi, were mediated by Oman.

Why it matters

The nuclear talks between Iran and the US are a critical diplomatic effort to address longstanding tensions over Iran's nuclear program. Any progress in the talks could help ease regional tensions and the risk of conflict, which has led the US to deploy naval forces in the region.

The details

Araqchi said 'different ideas have been presented' and 'we've been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles.' A U.S. official said Iran would make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps in the nuclear talks, adding 'Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss.' Meanwhile, Iran temporarily shut down parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, due to 'security precautions' while Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills there.

  • The talks concluded in Geneva on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Abbas Araqchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who said progress was made on 'guiding principles' in the nuclear talks with the US.

Steve Witkoff

The U.S. Special Envoy who participated in the indirect nuclear talks with Iran.

Jared Kushner

The U.S. President's son-in-law who participated in the indirect nuclear talks with Iran.

Badr al-Busaidi

The Omani Foreign Minister who mediated the nuclear talks between Iran and the US.

Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran who warned that any U.S. attempts to depose his government would fail.

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What’s next

Iran will make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps in the nuclear talks.

The takeaway

The nuclear talks between Iran and the US represent a critical diplomatic effort to address longstanding tensions, with progress made on 'guiding principles' but many details still to be worked out. The talks have implications for regional stability and the global oil supply.