US-Iran hold fresh nuclear talks in Geneva amid military tensions

New Delhi, Feb 26: A third round of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran is under way in Geneva, with Oman once again mediating between the two sides.

The negotiations come amid heightened tensions and a significant US military build-up in the Middle East. In recent weeks, Washington has deployed additional troops, aircraft carriers and warplanes to the region, while several countries have advised their citizens to leave Iran over fears of possible military action.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is facilitating the talks, has urged both sides to show flexibility. He also held consultations with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme ahead of the discussions.

The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Before the talks, Iran submitted a draft proposal through Oman aimed at testing Washington’s seriousness.

In his recent State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution but warned he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also reiterated that diplomacy remains Washington’s preferred path.

Iran has signalled it is open to a negotiated settlement but has warned it would respond to any military strike. Araghchi has said Tehran is “crystal clear” that it will not develop a nuclear weapon, while maintaining its right to peaceful nuclear technology. He has cautioned that any conflict would be devastating and leave no victor.

The talks are taking place months after US strikes, alongside Israel, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites during last year’s regional conflict.