1 hour ago
Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 21:59 IST
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were “very serious” and marked a step forward compared to the previous round.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (AFP photo)
Iran on Tuesday said it has reached an understanding with the United States on the “main principles" of a possible nuclear agreement following the second round of talks held in Geneva, signalling progress in long-stalled negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were “very serious" and marked a step forward compared to the previous round.
“The path for a deal has started," Araghchi said, adding that while broad principles have been agreed upon, several issues still need to be resolved.
He said both sides would now work on drafting potential agreement texts and exchange them before deciding on the timing of a third round of talks.
“We were able to reach a general agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will proceed and move toward drafting a potential agreement," Araghchi told Iranian state television.
He cautioned, however, that the next phase of negotiations would be “more difficult and detailed."
Oman, which has been mediating between the two sides, also said Iran and the United States made “good progress" during the Geneva talks.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid heightened regional tensions.
Ahead of the talks, US President Donald Trump said he believed Iran was interested in striking a deal over its nuclear programme.
At the same time, the United States has increased its military presence in the region, reportedly dispatching the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East, with a second carrier also deployed.
Iran, meanwhile, has pushed back against US pressure. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attempt by Washington to overthrow the Iranian government would fail.
Tehran also announced that it would temporarily close parts of the Strait of Hormuz for military exercises, underscoring the fragile security environment in the Persian Gulf even as diplomatic efforts continue.
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First Published:
February 17, 2026, 21:59 IST
News world Iran Says Understanding On Main Principles Reached With US On Tehran's Nuclear Program
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