US-Iran Talks End After 'Significant Progress' But Deal Remains Uncertain

Last Updated:February 27, 2026, 07:14 IST

According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s negotiators reaffirmed Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.

US-Iran Talks: The United States and Iran have made “significant progress" in the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva, Oman, the mediator, has said; however, the chances of a deal to avoid war remain unclear.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who mediated the high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, said both sides agreed to resume talks “soon" after consulting with their respective capitals. He added that technical-level discussions would take place next week in Vienna, Associated Press reported.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Tehran’s delegation, described the negotiations as among the “most intense and longest rounds" of discussions. He said “good progress" had been made, with agreement reached on some issues, though differences remain on others. He indicated the next round would take place in less than a week.

What Happened During The Negotiations?

According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s negotiators reaffirmed Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. They rejected US demands to halt uranium enrichment completely and to transfer the country’s 400kg stockpile of enriched uranium abroad.

However, officials are believed to have floated potential concessions, though the details have not been disclosed publicly.

One reported proposal would allow Iran to resume limited uranium enrichment after a three- to five-year suspension, under international monitoring.

In exchange, Araghchi said Iran is demanding the lifting of sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. Critics of Iran’s leadership argue that sanctions relief would provide a financial lifeline to the government.

Iran has also rejected US calls to discuss limits on its ballistic missile programme or its support for regional groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen, saying talks should focus solely on nuclear issues.

The negotiations come amid escalating diplomatic and military tensions as US President Donald Trump has ordered a major US military build-up in the Middle East, including more than a dozen warships. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is currently deployed in the region.

It is rare for two US aircraft carriers to operate in the Middle East simultaneously, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Iran has warned that if the US launches an attack, American bases across the region would be considered legitimate targets. Araghchi described such a scenario as “a devastating war" that could engulf the entire region.

The Geneva meeting marks the third round of talks since a 12-day conflict in June, during which Israel launched strikes against Iran and the US carried out heavy attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

US officials suspect Iran may be attempting to rebuild elements of its nuclear programme, though Tehran insists it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and says its activities are purely peaceful.

The United States wants Iran to completely halt uranium enrichment, while Iran maintains it has the sovereign right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

While no deal was reached in Geneva, both sides have agreed to continue discussions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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