US and Iran begin talks seen as crucial to prevent conflict

February 26, 2026

The United States and Iran are engaged in a third round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman, as tensions escalate over Iran's nuclear program and President Trump threatens military strikes if no agreement is reached. The talks occur against a backdrop of massive American military deployment to the Middle East, including two aircraft carrier groups, while Iran has warned it will retaliate forcefully against any attack. Central disputes include Iran's uranium enrichment activities, its ballistic missile program, and regional proxy support, with Iran seeking sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear concessions.

Who is affected

Iranian government officials and leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
US President Donald Trump and his negotiating team (Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner)
Iranian citizens, particularly thousands killed during anti-government protests
US military personnel deployed to the Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli citizens
US-allied countries in the Middle East region
Iran's proxy groups: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq, and Houthis in Yemen
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (mediator)
International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors
US Congressional leaders including Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer

What action is being taken

US and Iranian officials are meeting in Geneva for indirect talks mediated by Oman
The US is deploying thousands of troops, two aircraft carriers, warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft to the Middle East
Iran is enriching uranium (though it claims enrichment stopped after last year's attacks)
Negotiators are discussing proposals including a regional consortium for uranium enrichment and handling Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium
Iran is blocking International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from accessing damaged nuclear sites

Why it matters

This represents a critical juncture that could determine whether the US and Iran resolve their nuclear dispute through diplomacy or military conflict, with potential consequences extending far beyond both countries. The situation involves fundamental issues of nuclear proliferation, regional stability in the Middle East, and the risk of a wider war that could draw in Israel and US-allied nations. Iran's nuclear capabilities, combined with its support for regional proxy groups, pose what the US and Israel consider existential security threats. Any military action could trigger retaliation against American assets and Israel, potentially destabilizing the entire region, while sanctions relief for Iran remains controversial as it could strengthen a regime that recently killed thousands of protesters.

What's next

Negotiations continue in Geneva with potential discussion of uranium enrichment consortium and disposition of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile
Trump is reportedly considering an initial strike on Iran's Revolutionary Guards or nuclear sites in the coming days to pressure Iranian leaders
If negotiations fail, Trump might order a campaign aimed at toppling Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran has threatened to respond to any attack by striking American military assets in the Middle East and Israel

Read full article from source: BBC