U.S. May Discuss Access to Iran's Minerals

CNN reports the U.S. is considering talks with Iran over mineral rights.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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According to sources cited by CNN, the United States may discuss with Iran the possibility of gaining access to minerals located within the Islamic Republic's borders.

Why it matters

Access to Iran's mineral resources, which include significant deposits of copper, iron ore, zinc, and other valuable materials, could be economically beneficial for the U.S. However, any such negotiations would likely be politically complex given the longstanding tensions between the two countries.

The details

The report indicates that the U.S. is considering opening discussions with Iran about accessing the country's mineral wealth, though details about the scope and nature of these potential talks remain unclear.

  • The CNN report was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

United States

The world's largest economy and a global superpower that has had a contentious relationship with Iran for decades.

Iran

An oil-rich Middle Eastern country with significant mineral deposits that has been at odds with the U.S. for years.

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The takeaway

Any potential U.S. negotiations with Iran over mineral rights would be a delicate diplomatic matter, given the history of tensions between the two countries. The outcome could have important economic implications for both nations.