Iran and US Remain Divided Over Nuclear Dismantlement in Geneva Talks

Negotiations show potential progress, but sharp differences persist on Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva have advanced towards a potential framework, but significant divisions remain over the dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program. While Iranian officials say progress was made, US officials insist any deal must result in the full dismantling of Iran's nuclear capabilities, including its enrichment capacity, as well as limits on its ballistic missile program and support for militant groups. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has pushed back against these demands, signaling Iran is unlikely to accept an agreement that eliminates its nuclear program outright.

Why it matters

The negotiations between the US and Iran are critical to determining the future of Iran's nuclear program and its regional influence. A failure to reach an agreement could heighten tensions and raise the risk of military conflict, while a successful deal could pave the way for greater regional stability. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for global security and the balance of power in the Middle East.

The details

During the latest round of talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides reached a "general agreement on a number of guiding principles" and agreed to begin drafting text for a possible agreement. However, the US has publicly insisted that any deal must result in the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, including its enrichment capacity, as well as limits on its ballistic missile program and support for militant groups. These demands go beyond what Iran has indicated it is willing to accept, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stating "the Americans say, 'Let's negotiate over your nuclear energy, and the result of the negotiation is supposed to be that you do not have this energy!' If that's the case, there is no room for negotiation."

  • The latest round of US-Iran negotiations in Geneva took place on February 17, 2026.
  • Iran and the US are expected to exchange detailed proposals and schedule a third round of talks within the next two weeks.

The players

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who said progress was made in the Geneva talks, but significant differences remain.

Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, who pushed back against US demands for the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

Donald Trump

The former US President who said he would be watching the talks closely and has insisted on the full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“Good progress was made compared to the previous meeting. At least the path has started.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

“The Americans say, 'Let's negotiate over your nuclear energy, and the result of the negotiation is supposed to be that you do not have this energy!' If that's the case, there is no room for negotiation.”

— Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran

“In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

Iran and the US are expected to exchange detailed proposals and schedule a third round of talks within the next two weeks to continue negotiations.

The takeaway

The negotiations between the US and Iran over the future of Iran's nuclear program remain deeply divided, with the two sides far apart on the key issue of dismantlement. While some progress has been made, the path to a comprehensive agreement that satisfies both sides' demands appears challenging, raising the risk of heightened tensions and potential military conflict if a deal cannot be reached.