GENEVA, February 17, 2026: Iran and the United States have reached agreement on a set of “guiding principles” that could form the basis of a broader accord, Iran’s foreign minister announced Tuesday following talks in Geneva mediated by Oman.
Speaking to state television after the negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as more constructive than earlier rounds and said both sides would now begin drafting a potential agreement.
“We reached broad understanding on general principles that will guide the preparation of a possible deal,” Araghchi said, adding that draft texts would be exchanged before setting a date for a third round of negotiations. He cautioned, however, that narrowing differences between Tehran and Washington would require time.
The talks were held amid heightened tensions, with both sides issuing strong warnings ahead of the meeting. A day earlier, US President Donald Trump hinted at unspecified “consequences” if diplomacy failed. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Tehran possessed the capability to target American warships deployed near its shores.
Washington has recently increased its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and dispatching a second carrier group. Satellite imagery showed the first carrier positioned within operational range of Iranian territory.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that “good progress” had been made during the Geneva discussions but acknowledged that substantial work remained before any final agreement could be reached.
At the heart of the negotiations is Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of US sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. Tehran insists that talks remain focused strictly on nuclear matters, while Washington has previously sought to expand discussions to include Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baqaei, reiterated that sanctions relief must be an essential component of any future deal.
In parallel with diplomatic efforts, Iran has launched military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global oil and gas shipments. Iranian authorities stated that parts of the strait would be temporarily closed for safety during the drills.
Diplomatic efforts had collapsed last year following a brief conflict sparked by Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which later drew in US forces.
Prior to Tuesday’s session, Araghchi also met with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for technical discussions related to Iran’s nuclear activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism, saying Washington remained hopeful for an agreement.
Analysts say Tehran faces a difficult balancing act: securing sanctions relief while avoiding concessions that could weaken its strategic posture.
For now, both sides appear committed to continuing dialogue, even as military posturing and political rhetoric underscore the fragility of the diplomatic path ahead.
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