High-stakes talks between US and Iran set to be held in Geneva today

By Agencies and ToI Staff 17 February 2026, 7:27 am

Edit

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff delivers a speech as Jared Kushner looks on upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, January 6, 2026. (Ludovic Marin, Pool photo via AP)

The US and Iran are set to hold indirect talks in Geneva today, with little indication of potential compromise as the United States ramps up its military presence in the Middle East and Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises.

Iran has insisted that the discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Tehran’s ballistic missiles and support for terror groups and armed militia in the region.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Yet the US military is also said to be simultaneously preparing for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack.

Iran itself began a military drill yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states, who have been appealing for diplomacy.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over its deadly crackdown on recent nationwide protests.

The first round of talks Feb. 6 were held in Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, and were indirect, with SUVs flying the American flag entering the palace venue only after it appeared the Iranian officials had left. The arrangements for today’s round of negotiations are not clear.