US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva End Without Agreement Amid Deep Divisions
Published Date: 18th Feb, 2026
February 18, 2026
The second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva on February 17 without any meaningful progress, as both sides rejected the other's core demands and issued sharply conflicting statements on the outcome. The three-day talks, mediated by Oman and hosted by Switzerland, focused on Iran's uranium enrichment activities, ballistic missile program, and potential sanctions relief, but ended with no joint statement, no agreed timeline for future rounds, and no convergence on even basic principles.
U.S. Special Envoy Robert Malley told reporters after the meetings that the discussions were "serious but ultimately unproductive." He reiterated Washington's position that Iran must immediately halt all uranium enrichment above 3.67 percent purity, dismantle advanced IR-6 centrifuges at Fordow and Natanz, and accept verifiable limits on ballistic missile development before any sanctions relief could be considered. "We are prepared to engage in good faith, but Iran must first return to verifiable compliance with the JCPOA baseline," Malley said. He confirmed that both sides agreed to technical-level discussions in Vienna in mid-March but described the political gaps as "wide and persistent."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented a more measured but still negative assessment, stating that the talks were "more serious" than the first round in Muscat but failed to produce results due to U.S. "maximalist demands." Araghchi confirmed that Iran has continued enriching uranium to 60 percent and installing additional advanced centrifuges, describing these steps as "reversible defensive measures" in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 JCPOA and the recent imposition of new tariffs on Iranian petrochemicals and metals. "Sanctions must be lifted first and unconditionally. We will not negotiate our sovereign rights under pressure," Araghchi emphasized.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reinforced this stance in a speech on February 17, rejecting U.S. demands to stop enrichment and limit missiles as "unacceptable interference." He stated that Iran's nuclear program is a "national right" and has "no connection" to negotiations with the United States.
Core Issues and Sticking Points
- Enrichment threshold: Iran insists on 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 existing advanced cascades; Washington seeks their removal or long-term storage under IAEA seal.
- Sanctions relief: Iran demands immediate lifting of oil export restrictions, access to frozen funds, and removal of secondary sanctions; the U.S. offers phased relief only after verifiable compliance steps.
- Ballistic missiles: The U.S. continues to press for range and payload restrictions; Iran views its missile program as defensive and non-negotiable.
- Verification and monitoring: Both sides agree in principle to strengthened IAEA access but differ on duration, scope, and snap-back mechanisms.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas called the outcome "disappointing but not surprising" and urged both parties to avoid further escalatory steps. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al Busaidi, the primary mediator, described the atmosphere as "not encouraging" but noted that technical channels remain open.
Regional and Market 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. Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed concern over the lack of progress but supported continued diplomatic engagement.
Oil prices rose 0.6 percent in Asian trading on February 18, reflecting trader concerns over potential renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions. Global markets remain on edge as the risk of miscalculation increases.
With Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium now exceeding 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: 18th Feb, 2026
