WANA (Feb 26) – As a third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States gets underway, voices from the streets of Tehran reflect a mix of cautious hope, deep skepticism, and a firm emphasis on defending national sovereignty. Their reactions, gathered as diplomatic efforts intensify in Geneva, offer a snapshot of public sentiment inside Iran.

 

Talks in Geneva: Diplomacy Under Tension

The third round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington is being held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Omani Embassy in Geneva, with mediation by Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s foreign minister. The Iranian delegation is led by Seyed Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. side is headed by Steve Witkoff, special envoy of President Donald Trump.

 

The meeting follows two earlier rounds of talks in Muscat and Geneva, which Iranian officials say resulted in “initial understandings” and a “clearer path forward.”

 

In an interview with CBS, Araghchi said the two sides are working on “the elements of an agreement and a draft text,” describing a “fair and balanced” deal as achievable. At the same time, he stressed that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to fulfill their duties and that Tehran knows how to defend itself — a dual message underscoring both diplomacy and deterrence.

 

Meanwhile, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs, told NPR that Tehran is ready to reach an agreement “as soon as possible,” provided there is reciprocal political will.

An Iranian woman walks past an anti-U.S. billboard in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

A Legacy of Distrust: Skepticism on Tehran’s Streets

Despite official optimism, public distrust remains strong.

“We probably won’t get a result with the U.S.,” said Mr. Nikooparast, a Tehran resident, in an interview with a WANA reporter. “They won’t stop their hostility, and we’re not willing to back down from our ideals.”

 

He added that if Washington truly understands Iran’s power, it may choose to step back to avoid greater damage. “The cost of an attack for America would be very high. They shouldn’t attack — unless common sense is no longer involved,” he said.

 

Another resident, Mr. Hesam, voiced deeper skepticism in his interview with WANA. Referring to past agreements, he said: “Deals were made before, and they walked away from them. What guarantee is there that this time will be different? Iran fulfills its commitments, but we don’t see movement from the other side.”

 

He also criticized what he described as negotiations conducted under threat. “When you want to negotiate with someone, there shouldn’t be weapons beside you, and you shouldn’t speak with force and threats. That’s not negotiation,” he said.

 

 

A Shared Red Line: Defense of the Nation

Alongside doubts about diplomacy, one common theme emerged in conversations: the need for a decisive response in the event of military action.

 

“If an attack happens, Iran must certainly respond firmly,” said Mr. Ordovan, another Tehran resident, speaking to WANA. “Regardless of our political or religious views, this is our country. I think everyone agrees on this — if we are attacked, we must respond decisively.”

 

Such remarks come against the backdrop of earlier disruptions to negotiations following regional military developments, including reported attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, which effectively halted previous diplomatic efforts.

 

Between Hope and Caution

Taken together, public reactions in Iran present a dual narrative: an awareness of the heavy costs of military confrontation and a desire to avoid war, coupled with deep mistrust toward Washington’s commitment to any future agreement and a firm insistence on safeguarding national sovereignty.

 

As diplomats negotiate the details of a potential draft agreement in Geneva, the mood in Tehran remains measured. A deal may be possible, many believe — but only if it comes with mutual respect, practical guarantees, and an end to the language of threats. For now, Iranian public opinion is following developments with a blend of skepticism, pragmatism, and readiness to defend the country if necessary.

 

Nearly 70% of Iranians Believe Country Can Withstand Possible U.S. Attack

WANA (Feb 26) – In recent days, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has warned that Iran could face military action if the two countries fail to reach an agreement.   In response to these remarks, Iran’s Social Analysis Center conducted a survey to assess public confidence in the country’s collective ability to […]

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