LATEST UPDATES ON IRAN-U.S. NUCLEAR TALKS / FEB 16
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the new round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks here.
Iran and IAEA Chief Hold Technical Talks in Geneva Ahead of Indirect U.S. Negotiations
WANA (Feb 16) – Geneva has once again become a focal point of nuclear diplomacy as Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the eve of a new round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Grossi visited the residence of the Iranian delegation in Geneva, where the two sides held what he described as “deep technical discussions” in preparation for the upcoming talks. “I concluded in-depth technical discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister to prepare for the Geneva negotiations scheduled for tomorrow,” Grossi said, signaling that expert-level engagement is underway ahead of formal diplomatic exchanges.
Iran and IAEA Chief Hold Technical Talks in Geneva Ahead of Indirect U.S. Negotiations
WANA (Feb 16) – Geneva has once again become a focal point of nuclear diplomacy as Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the eve of a new round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Grossi visited the residence of […]
Rubio Ahead of Geneva Talks: Reaching a Deal with Iran Is Not Easy
WANA (Feb 16) – On the eve of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching an agreement with Tehran “is not easy.”
Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungary’s prime minister in Budapest, Rubio — serving under President Donald Trump — argued that Iran’s governing structure makes compromise difficult, claiming that decisions in Tehran are made “on the basis of religion” rather than geopolitical calculation.
Asked by a reporter from Reuters whether a nuclear deal that excludes Iran’s missile program would be acceptable to Washington, Rubio did not give a direct answer. He said the United States hopes to reach a diplomatic agreement that addresses its concerns.
The Geneva talks are scheduled for Tuesday and are set to begin amid deep mistrust and disagreements over the scope of the agenda.
From Muscat to Geneva: Nuclear Talks Enter the Technical Phase
WANA (Feb 16) – According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the new round of negotiations is being conducted indirectly, with mediation by Oman’s foreign minister at the Omani diplomatic mission in Geneva. On the U.S. side, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy, is leading the American delegation.
The Iranian negotiating team departed Tehran on Sunday evening to attend the talks. This round follows initial discussions held in Muscat, which both sides described as “constructive,” though preliminary and without detailed technical agreements.
From Muscat to Geneva: Nuclear Talks Enter the Technical Phase
WANA (Feb 16) – As Geneva once again becomes a focal point of nuclear diplomacy, a meeting is underway between Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The meeting coincides with the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. […]
Rising Uncertainty Around Iran–US Talks
A book with a cover design of the Iran-US negotiations is seen in Tehran, Iran, April 26, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
WANA (Feb 16) – As diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States continue, recent political and media developments have introduced new uncertainties into the atmosphere surrounding the negotiations.
Observers say that while attempts to preserve the diplomatic track are ongoing, the tone and positions of some political actors could influence the prospects of the talks.
At the same time, developments related to protests and the activities of opposition groups abroad have drawn attention as factors potentially shaping the broader political environment — an issue analysts say may affect the calculations of various parties ahead of the next round of consultations.
According to assessments, the latest developments are reported as follows:
1- Donald Trump significantly hardened his tone toward Iran in remarks on Friday night.
2- The tone of Trump’s statements does not align with the proposal presented by the United States to Iran.
3- These remarks have created serious doubts about whether the U.S. proposal remains in place.
4- The statements appear to be influenced by Benjamin Netanyahu’s messaging and a broader U.S. strategy aimed at regime change.
5- Recent activities by opposition groups abroad are said to be carried out with behind-the-scenes encouragement from Israel.
6- Israel is seeking to convey to Trump the perception that the Iranian public is seeking to overthrow the system.
7- According to this assessment, Israel believes developments between January 8 and 10 created internal pressure, prompting activities to shift outside Iran.
8- It is also said that Israel is attempting to disrupt the domestic environment around the fortieth-day commemorations of those killed.
These developments come as the negotiation track remains complex and politically sensitive, with analysts noting that how these variables are managed could play an important role in shaping the direction of future developments.
Rubio: Washington Awaits Results of Talks With Iran
WANA (Feb 16) – Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, said Washington is waiting for the outcome of meetings between representatives of Donald Trump and Iran, stressing that the U.S. president’s preferred course remains diplomacy.
Rubio said he would not comment on the option of a military strike against Iran, adding that the U.S. military presence in the region is intended to ensure the capability to respond to any threat against American forces.
Referring to the nuclear talks, he noted that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to hold important meetings on Iran, and that Washington will wait to see the results of these consultations.
On the other side, Majid Takht-Ravanchi said “the ball is in America’s court” to demonstrate that it genuinely seeks an agreement, adding that if there is sincerity, the path to a deal will be smoothed.
At the same time, Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s army, warned that any misstep would be met with a response “unlike anything seen or experienced before.”
These positions show that relations between Tehran and Washington continue to oscillate between diplomatic efforts and military deterrent messaging.
Araghchi: I Have Come to Geneva With Genuine Initiatives for a Fair Agreement
WANA (Feb 16) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, outlining the agenda of his visit to Geneva, said he has arrived with “genuine initiatives” aimed at achieving a fair and balanced agreement in the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States, stressing that surrendering to threats is absolutely not on the agenda.
Araghchi, who arrived in Geneva early Monday for the continuation of nuclear talks, said he will meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi alongside Iran’s nuclear experts to discuss technical issues. He added that prior to the start of diplomatic consultations with the United States on Tuesday, he will also meet with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that the purpose of the trip is to advance diplomacy by presenting practical proposals to reach a balanced agreement, while reiterating that Tehran will not consider any retreat under pressure or threats.
The first round of these negotiations was held on February 6 in Muscat with Oman acting as mediator, and the second round is set to continue Tuesday in Geneva. Araghchi is accompanied by a delegation of senior diplomats and technical experts.
According to official sources, he will also meet with Switzerland’s foreign minister and attend the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, where he is expected to present Iran’s views on issues on the body’s agenda.
Observers view the visit as part of ongoing efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear file, a process that has now entered a new phase of consultations in Geneva following the first round in Muscat.
LATEST UPDATES ON IRAN-U.S. NUCLEAR TALKS / FEB 15
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the new round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks here. Netanyahu Outlines Conditions for Any Potential Agreement on Iran Following Washington Visit WANA (Feb 15) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in remarks following his recent trip to Washington and meeting with U.S. President Donald […]
