WANA (Feb 16) – On the eve of the second round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s diplomatic activity intensified in Geneva, where the future of a potential nuclear understanding once again hangs in the balance.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, met Monday evening with Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister and the chief mediator in the talks. During the meeting, Araghchi outlined Tehran’s positions and considerations regarding its nuclear program and the removal of sanctions — the two central pillars of the ongoing negotiations.

 

The second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place Tuesday, February 28, in Geneva. Araghchi will lead the Iranian delegation, while Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy representing President Donald Trump, will head the American side. The negotiations are being facilitated by Oman and will be held at the Omani embassy in Geneva, underscoring Muscat’s continued role as a trusted intermediary between the two long-time adversaries.

 

In his meeting with Albusaidi, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Oman’s diplomatic efforts and emphasized Iran’s commitment to a “result-oriented diplomacy” aimed at safeguarding what he described as the legitimate rights and interests of the Iranian people, while contributing to regional peace and stability. Albusaidi, in turn, highlighted the longstanding and friendly ties between Muscat and Tehran and praised Iran’s consistency in pursuing diplomacy, expressing hope that this round of talks would yield positive outcomes.

 

Araghchi arrived in Geneva earlier Monday at the head of a delegation comprising senior diplomats, nuclear experts, and economic specialists. As part of his diplomatic engagements, he also met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss technical and oversight-related aspects of Iran’s nuclear program — a key concern for Western governments.

 

In a post on X, Araghchi stated that he had come to Geneva with “real initiatives” aimed at reaching a “fair and balanced agreement,” but stressed that “surrendering to threats is absolutely not on the agenda.” The remark appeared to signal Tehran’s willingness to negotiate, while drawing a firm line against what it views as ongoing political and economic pressure from Washington.

 

The first round of indirect talks was held on February 6 in Muscat, where Araghchi described the discussions as “a good start.” Attention now turns to Geneva, where negotiators are expected to focus on clarifying U.S. concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and defining a practical pathway toward sanctions relief.

 

For international observers, the stakes extend beyond bilateral U.S.-Iran relations. The outcome of these negotiations could influence global energy markets, regional security dynamics in the Middle East, and the broader balance of power among major actors. Oman’s quiet but pivotal mediation once again illustrates how backchannel diplomacy continues to shape some of the region’s most sensitive geopolitical files.

 

Geneva is now hosting negotiations that, while indirect in format, may carry direct and far-reaching consequences — from the future of sanctions to the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear program and the next chapter in U.S.-Iran relations.

Iranian and Omani Foreign Ministers Meet Ahead of Indirect Tehran–Washington Talks. Social media / WANA News Agency

Iranian and Omani Foreign Ministers Meet Ahead of Indirect Tehran–Washington Talks. Social media / WANA News Agency