WANA (Feb 25) – As the third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States approaches, Tehran has intensified its diplomatic outreach, keeping a wide range of regional countries as well as China and Russia informed about the negotiation process.

 

The upcoming round of talks is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator. The negotiations will be led by Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special representative. This will be the second meeting in Geneva within a span of around ten days.

 

From Muscat to Geneva

The current negotiation track began with a first round held on 6 February in Muscat, followed by a second round on 17 February in Geneva. The talks were launched amid regional efforts to reduce tensions and after Iran agreed to re-engage in a diplomatic process.

Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to Indirect Nuclear Talks Venue in Muscat. Social media / WANA News Agency

Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to Indirect Nuclear Talks Venue in Muscat. Social media / WANA News Agency

Drafting the Framework

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the country is currently in the process of drafting and consolidating its positions on all elements of a potential agreement. Officials have indicated that Tehran aims to enter the next round of talks with a clear and coherent package of proposals.

 

In earlier remarks to international media, Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that work is underway on the key components and draft text of a possible agreement, expressing hope that future negotiations would proceed on the basis of these drafts.

 

Coordination with China and Russia

Alongside the talks with Washington, Iran has maintained close coordination with major international stakeholders, including China and Russia. Following the second round of talks in Geneva, both countries—signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal—were briefed on the latest developments.

 

In this context, the Chinese and Russian ambassadors in Tehran met with Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, to discuss the state of the negotiations and bilateral issues. All sides emphasized the continuation of close consultations within the framework of their strategic relations.

 

Direct Contact with Moscow

Iran’s foreign minister also held a telephone conversation with Sergey Lavrov, during which he reaffirmed Iran’s seriousness in pursuing the talks with the aim of reaching a fair and balanced agreement that safeguards Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Lavrov was briefed on the latest developments in the negotiation process.

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran, Iran, February 7, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Broad Regional Consultations

At the regional level, Tehran has carried out extensive diplomatic outreach. Araghchi has held phone calls with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, updating them on the progress of the talks.

 

In his conversation with Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi foreign minister expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would continue until tangible results are achieved. Egypt’s foreign minister also voiced support for the diplomatic track, stressing the importance of sustained consultations aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable framework.

 

Similarly, discussions with Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister focused on the need to maintain dialogue to facilitate the diplomatic process. Iraq’s foreign minister reiterated Baghdad’s support for the talks and expressed hope that they would contribute to regional peace and stability.

 

Oman’s Mediation and Contacts with the IAEA

Oman, as the mediator of the talks, has remained in close contact with Iran regarding the logistical and procedural arrangements for upcoming rounds. At the same time, Iran has continued its engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

 

In this regard, Iran’s foreign minister has held several phone calls with Rafael Grossi to review the outcomes of the Geneva talks and discuss the requirements for drafting a negotiation framework.

Badr Albusaidi held a consultative meeting in Geneva with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. president’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the U.S. president on Feb 17, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Badr Albusaidi held a consultative meeting in Geneva with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. president’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the U.S. president on Feb 17, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iranian officials have emphasized Tehran’s commitment to constructive engagement and to using diplomacy to secure its legitimate rights in the field of peaceful nuclear energy in line with international law.

 

Taken together, these diplomatic efforts underscore Iran’s strategy of pursuing negotiations with the United States while simultaneously maintaining transparency and coordination with key regional and international actors.

 

Tehran appears intent on building broader political support and reducing external uncertainties as it seeks a sustainable and balanced outcome from the ongoing talks.