US-Iran talks conclude with claims of progress

A new round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran has ended with cautious optimism, as mediators pointed to “significant progress,” though major differences remain unresolvedon Thursday (February 26).

Following Thursday’s talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions were the “most serious and longest” so far, adding that further technical negotiations would take place next week in Vienna. He described the progress as positive but did not provide specifics, reports Al Jazeera.

The talks were mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who said both delegations would now consult their respective governments before reconvening. Few details have been released publicly, though Iranian media reported that Araghchi briefly met US envoy Steve Witkoff during the discussions.

Iran’s delegation, led by Araghchi, submitted written proposals to the Omani mediator on Wednesday night. Al Busaidi then relayed them to the US team, which included Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The Omani diplomat shuttled between the sides throughout the day. The US delegation also held separate meetings concerning Ukraine.

Also present in Geneva was Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which would be responsible for monitoring and verifying Iran’s nuclear activities if an agreement is reached.

The IAEA’s board of governors is scheduled to meet beginning March 6, close to the 10- to 15-day deadline recently suggested by Trump for reaching a deal. Western media have speculated that the board could consider censuring Iran again, depending on the outcome of the talks. Tehran has previously accused Grossi of politicizing the agency’s actions and criticized the IAEA after Israel launched strikes on Iran in June, shortly after the agency passed a resolution alleging Iran was not meeting its nuclear safeguards obligations.