Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva End Without Progress as Enrichment Dispute Remains Unresolved
Published Date: 17th Feb, 2026
February 17, 2026
The latest round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva on Sunday without any breakthrough, leaving the two sides far apart on the core issue of uranium enrichment limits. The three-day talks, mediated by the European Union and the United Nations, were the first formal diplomatic contact since the Trump administration imposed new tariffs on Iranian petrochemicals, metals, and related exports earlier this month.
U.S. Special Envoy Robert Malley stated after the meetings that Washington continues to demand a full halt to all uranium enrichment beyond 3.67 percent, dismantlement of advanced IR-6 centrifuges at Fordow and Natanz, and binding restrictions on ballistic missile development before any sanctions relief can be considered. “We remain committed to diplomacy, but Iran must first return to verifiable compliance with the JCPOA baseline,” Malley said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the U.S. position as “unrealistic and coercive.” He confirmed that Iran has maintained enrichment to 60 percent purity and has continued installing additional advanced centrifuges, describing these steps as reversible countermeasures to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. “Sanctions must be lifted first and unconditionally. Only then can we discuss reciprocal measures,” Araghchi told reporters.
Core Points of Disagreement
- Enrichment threshold: Iran insists on recognition of its right to enrich up to 20 percent for civilian purposes; the U.S. demands return to the JCPOA limit of 3.67 percent.
- Centrifuge infrastructure: Tehran refuses to dismantle or mothball existing advanced cascades; Washington seeks their removal or long-term storage under IAEA seal.
- Sanctions relief: Iran seeks immediate lifting of oil export restrictions, access to frozen funds, and removal of secondary sanctions; the U.S. proposes phased relief linked to verifiable compliance steps.
- Ballistic missiles: The U.S. continues to press for limits on range, payload, and testing; Iran views its missile program as a defensive red line and non-negotiable.
- Verification regime: Both sides agree in principle to strengthened IAEA monitoring but differ sharply on duration, scope, and snap-back provisions.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described the talks as “serious but difficult,” noting that technical-level discussions will continue in Vienna in mid-March. UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura confirmed that both delegations remained engaged throughout the process despite the lack of convergence.
Broader Reactions
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that “any arrangement allowing Iran to retain significant enrichment capacity is unacceptable” and reiterated Israel’s readiness to act unilaterally if necessary. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed concern over the lack of progress but welcomed continued diplomatic engagement.
Oil prices showed minimal movement, with Brent crude futures rising less than 0.5 percent as markets weighed the risk of renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions against continued global supply stability.
The Geneva round followed the U.S. imposition of new tariffs on Iranian petrochemicals and metals earlier this month, which Tehran has labeled “economic warfare.” Iranian officials have indicated they may respond with restrictions on tanker traffic or further centrifuge deployment if talks remain stalled.
With Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium now estimated at over 140 kg (enough for several nuclear weapons if further enriched) and the JCPOA snap-back mechanism still active until October 2025, diplomats warn that the window for reviving the agreement is closing rapidly. The next round of technical discussions is tentatively scheduled for mid-March in Vienna. Official readouts and updates are available through the UN, EU, and Swiss foreign ministry channels.
Date: 17th Feb, 2026
