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US and Iran to Hold Third Round of Nuclear Talks as More American Forces Deploy to Mideast
Negotiations viewed as last chance for diplomacy as US gathers fleet of aircraft and warships to pressure Tehran
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Iran and the United States are preparing to meet in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of nuclear negotiations, which are being viewed as a last chance for diplomacy as the US has gathered a fleet of aircraft and warships in the Middle East to pressure Tehran into a deal. US President Donald Trump wants a deal to constrain Iran's nuclear program, while Iran has maintained it wants to continue enriching uranium.
Why it matters
The talks come at a critical time, as the US has deployed significant military assets to the region, raising the stakes and the potential for conflict. A failure of the talks could lead to military action, which both sides warn would be devastating for the entire Middle East region.
The details
The talks will be mediated by Oman and will be the third meeting since a June 2025 war between Israel and Iran. The US is pushing for Iran to halt uranium enrichment entirely, as well as address its ballistic missile program and regional influence. Iran has insisted the talks must remain focused only on nuclear issues. Both sides have warned that military action would have catastrophic consequences for the region.
- The talks are scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Geneva.
- The previous two rounds of talks were held in 2025 following the June war between Israel and Iran.
The players
Donald Trump
The President of the United States, who wants a deal to constrain Iran's nuclear program.
Abbas Araghchi
The Iranian Foreign Minister, who has warned that a war between the US and Iran would be "devastating" for the entire Middle East region.
Steve Witkoff
A billionaire real estate developer and friend of President Trump who serves as a special Middle East envoy for the US.
Marco Rubio
The US Secretary of State, who has said that Iran is "always trying to rebuild elements" of its nuclear program.
JD Vance
The US Vice President, who has stated that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon" and that President Trump has "other options" beyond diplomacy.
What they’re saying
“There would be no victory for anybody — it would be a devastating war.”
— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (India Today)
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
— JD Vance, US Vice President (White House)
“The principle's very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
— JD Vance, US Vice President (White House)
What’s next
If the talks fail, there is uncertainty about the timing and nature of any potential US military action against Iran, which could have devastating consequences for the wider Middle East region.
The takeaway
These high-stakes nuclear talks represent a last diplomatic chance to resolve the long-standing tensions between the US and Iran, with the threat of military conflict looming large if the negotiations collapse. The outcome will have major implications for regional stability and the global oil market.
