US Juggles Iran and Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva

Negotiations with Iran break up after 4 hours, while Ukraine talks continue as US seeks quick deals before midterms

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The US opened two major peace negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday - one with Iran and one on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The Iran talks broke up after less than 4 hours as the sides left to draft competing agreements, while the Ukraine negotiations were just getting started and will continue on Wednesday. The US is seeking quick deals on both fronts ahead of November's midterm elections, but the dynamics and challenges differ significantly between the two.

Why it matters

The US is juggling high-stakes peace talks on two fronts - Iran's nuclear program and the Russia-Ukraine war. A deal with Iran could avoid another military conflict, but would require compromises. The Ukraine talks are more complex, as Russia continues to demand concessions that would be unacceptable to Ukraine. The outcomes of these negotiations will have major geopolitical implications.

The details

The Iran talks broke up quickly as the two sides left to draft competing agreements. Iran is seeking sanctions relief and a return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned, while the US and Israel want deeper concessions. The Ukraine talks are just beginning, but Russia is demanding Ukraine accept occupied territory and limits on its military - terms Kyiv is unlikely to accept. The US is pushing for quick deals on both fronts before November's midterms.

  • The US opened the negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Iran talks broke up in less than 4 hours on the same day.
  • The Ukraine talks are continuing on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran, which is seeking sanctions relief and a return to the 2015 nuclear deal that the US previously abandoned.

Russia

Russia, which is leading the negotiations on ending its war in Ukraine and demanding concessions that would be unacceptable to Ukraine.

Ukraine

Ukraine, which is participating in the negotiations to end the Russian invasion but is unlikely to accept Russia's demands for occupied territory and military limits.

United States

The United States, which is leading the negotiations with both Iran and Russia/Ukraine in an effort to reach quick deals before November's midterm elections.

Israel

Israel, which has pushed the US to demand deeper concessions from Iran beyond just its nuclear program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The US is juggling high-stakes peace talks on two fronts - Iran's nuclear program and the Russia-Ukraine war. While a deal with Iran could avoid another military conflict, the Ukraine talks are more complex as Russia continues to demand concessions that would be unacceptable to Ukraine. The outcomes of these negotiations will have major geopolitical implications.