Rubio Says Iran 'Difficult' to Deal With Ahead of New Talks

The U.S. and Iran will hold talks in Geneva as tensions continue to escalate between the two nations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it has been "very difficult" for "real deals" to come to fruition with Tehran, as the United States and Iran prepare to hold talks in Geneva amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Why it matters

These talks are set to be mediated by Oman and come at a time when President Donald Trump has been making increasing threats and pressure on Tehran to take a deal. A second U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is on its way from the Caribbean to the Middle East and will join USS Abraham Lincoln in the area, with Trump saying it was needed "in case we don't make a deal."

The details

Tensions between Iran and the United States have reached new heights ever since the deadly crackdown on protesters demanding freedom. Trump escalated the rhetoric against Tehran by saying last week that the "best thing that could happen" was a change of government in Iran. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, told the BBC this past weekend that they are willing to compromise by offering to dilute their 60 percent-enriched uranium, but Iran's Revolutionary Guards are also conducting military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the disruption of oil and gas routes.

  • The United States and Iran are holding talks tomorrow in Geneva.
  • Last week, Trump said a second U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is on its way from the Caribbean to the Middle East and will join USS Abraham Lincoln in the area.

The players

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State.

Donald Trump

President of the United States.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi

Iran's deputy foreign minister.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be hard. It's been very difficult for anyone to do real deals with Iran, because we're dealing with radical Shia clerics who are making theological decisions, not geopolitical ones.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (newsweek.com)

“There shall be no enrichment capability - not stopping the enrichment process, but dismantling the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (CBS News)

“We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our programme if they are ready to talk about sanctions.”

— Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister (BBC)

What’s next

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sought clarity on the fate of 400 kg of 60 percent enriched uranium that was last inspected before the June strikes conducted by Israel and the United States. They're also seeking access to sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Iran, with both sides taking hardline positions and making threats, even as they prepare to hold talks mediated by Oman. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for regional stability and the global energy market.