US, Iran Set for New Nuclear Talks to Prevent Conflict

Officials from both countries will meet in Geneva to negotiate a new deal, but deep mistrust remains a major obstacle.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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US and Iranian officials are set to meet in Geneva for new negotiations aimed at preventing a potential war. The talks will focus on Iran's nuclear program, with Tehran willing to accept restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief, but unwilling to give up its right to enrich uranium. Washington also wants to expand the scope to include Iran's ballistic missiles and regional activities, which Iran considers nonstarters. Overcoming deep mistrust and political costs for both sides will be extremely difficult, but experts say a symbolic understanding to buy time for future negotiations may be the only viable short-term path to avoid conflict.

Why it matters

The negotiations are a crucial attempt to prevent a potential military conflict between the US and Iran, which have been at odds for decades over Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. A new deal could ease tensions, but the talks face significant hurdles due to the high political stakes and deep-seated animosity between the two sides.

The details

The talks will be led by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Tehran has said it is willing to accept restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for relief from US sanctions, but it will not give up its right to enrich uranium. Washington, however, wants to expand the scope to include Iran's ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the Middle East, which Iran considers unacceptable. Negotiating a comprehensive new deal will be extremely difficult, with experts suggesting a more limited, symbolic understanding may be the best path to avoid conflict in the short term.

  • The talks are scheduled to take place in Geneva on February 18, 2026.

The players

Abbas Araqchi

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister leading the negotiations for Iran.

Rafael Grossi

Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, participating in the talks.

Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State, commenting on the negotiations.

Ali Vaez

Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, providing expert analysis on the talks.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

Negotiating a new comprehensive nuclear deal between the US and Iran will be extremely difficult, with deep mistrust and political costs for both sides being major obstacles. However, experts suggest a more limited, symbolic understanding may be the best path to avoid conflict in the short term and create better conditions for future detailed negotiations.