Iran-US Talks (2026)

Iran–U.S. Talks (2026) are diplomatic talks planned to take place in Muscat on 6 February 2026 between Iran and the United States.

These talks will be the first direct diplomatic contacts between U.S. and Iranian officials following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025.

Political and Diplomatic Background of the Talks (2025–2026)

The Iran–U.S. talks planned for early 2026 emerged in the diplomatic context created after the 12-day military conflict between Iran and Israel on 13 June 2025. During this conflict, Iran’s nuclear facilities were targeted, a development that effectively halted the nuclear negotiation process between Iran and Western countries.

Until this period, five rounds of indirect nuclear talks had been conducted between Iran and the United States. While a sixth round was being planned, the negotiations were suspended due to the June 2025 conflict. Following this military escalation, no direct or indirect negotiations took place between Iran and the United States for the remainder of 2025; the parties exchanged messages only through public statements and third-party intermediaries.

At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, protests erupted across Iran due to economic conditions, inflation, and the rapid depreciation of the national currency. The protests quickly spread to many cities. It was reported that hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were arrested following security force interventions.

The Iranian government restricted internet access, intensified security measures, and launched widespread security operations during the protests. These developments directly affected the diplomatic process between Iran and the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump cited the government’s crackdown on protests as justification for referring to “very strong military options” against Iran and openly raised the possibility of military intervention.

The administration of the United States stated in January and February 2026 that it remained open to diplomatic contacts with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump’s priority regarding Iran was diplomacy, but that military options had not been entirely ruled out.

Leavitt stated that the talks planned with Iran were intended to proceed according to the established schedule and would address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the talks should not be limited solely to the nuclear program; he stated that Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional armed groups, and internal developments within the country must also be addressed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in statements throughout January 2026, affirmed that Iran was not closed to diplomatic engagement. However, Araghchi stressed that negotiations could not be conducted under threat, pressure or coercion. At a press conference in Istanbul, he stated: “We have no intention of accepting any imposition or order under any circumstances.”

In another statement, Araghchi said Iran was prepared to participate in a diplomatic process defined as “fair and just,” but insisted that the format, location and agenda of the talks must be clearly defined in advance.

Iranian officials also declared that Iran’s ballistic missile program and defense capabilities would not be subject to negotiation, explaining that these areas fall under the country’s national security considerations.

Planning Process and Venue Disputes

As of January 2026, efforts to restart diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States gained momentum. During this period, both sides made mutual statements regarding the resumption of nuclear-focused talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in statements during January, confirmed that contacts with Iranian officials were ongoing and that talks were being planned. However, he provided no details on the content of these talks.

In the initial contacts regarding the resumption of talks, the possibility of holding the meetings in Istanbul, Turkey was raised. Istanbul was considered accessible and suitable as a diplomatic venue by both parties.

At this stage, discussion focused on the potential for the talks to be conducted in a multilateral format, with the inclusion of certain regional countries as facilitators. However, the Istanbul option did not gain definitive agreement due to disagreements between the parties over the scope and format of the talks.

The Iranian side demanded that the talks be held in Oman and conducted in a bilateral format between the two countries only. Iranian officials cited the fact that previous nuclear negotiations had been held in Oman and focused exclusively on the nuclear file as justification for this demand. Iran insisted that the agenda of the talks must be limited solely to the nuclear program and that the ballistic missile program and defense capabilities must remain outside the scope of negotiations.

The U.S. administration opposed Iran’s demand to restrict the talks to the nuclear program. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the talks must include Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional armed groups, and internal developments within the country.

Rubio, without confirming reports that the talks would be held in Oman, said: “We had assumed an agreement had been reached that the meeting would take place in Turkey. However, yesterday I saw conflicting reports indicating that Iran had refused to accept this, so work on this issue is still ongoing.”

The U.S. Secretary emphasized that certain issues must be on the table for the talks to achieve a meaningful outcome: “For the talks to be truly meaningful, they must include certain items. These include the range of ballistic missiles, support provided to terrorist organizations in the region, nuclear programs, and treatment of their own people.”

Oman’s Mediation Role and the Selection of Muscat as the Meeting Venue

Following the disputes over the location of the talks, it was announced that both sides had reached an agreement on Muscat, the capital of Oman. U.S. and Iranian officials publicly confirmed that the talks would be held in Muscat. The exact date of the talks was set as 6 February 2026.

The Iranian side insisted that the talks be conducted in a bilateral format, emphasizing that third countries must not be present at the negotiating table.

Iran–US Talks (2026) are diplomatic and nuclear negotiations involving indirect and limited direct contacts between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, held on 6 February 2026 in Muscat, the capital of Oman, under Omani mediation.

The talks were conducted with the aim of restarting the nuclear negotiation process that had been interrupted following Israeli and US attacks on Iran in June 2025.

Political and Diplomatic Background of the Talks (2025–2026)

The Iran–US talks planned for early 2026 emerged within the diplomatic context following the 12-day military clashes between Iran and Israel on 13 June 2025. During these clashes, Iran’s nuclear facilities were targeted, a development that effectively halted the nuclear negotiation process between Iran and Western countries.

Until this period, five rounds of indirect nuclear talks had been conducted between Iran and the United States. While a sixth round was being planned, the negotiations were suspended due to the June 2025 clashes. Following this military escalation, no direct or indirect talks took place between Iran and the United States for the remainder of 2025; the parties communicated only through public statements and third-party channels.

At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, protests erupted across Iran due to economic conditions, inflation and the rapid depreciation of the national currency. The protests quickly spread to numerous cities. It was reported that hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were detained as a result of security force interventions.

The Iranian government restricted internet access, increased security measures and launched widespread security operations during the protests. These developments directly affected the diplomatic process between Iran and the United States.

US President Donald Trump cited the crackdown on protests as justification for referring to “very strong military options” against Iran and openly raised the possibility of military intervention.

The United States administration stated in its January and February 2026 communications that it remained open to diplomatic contacts with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump’s priority regarding Iran was diplomacy, but that military options were not entirely ruled out.

Leavitt clarified that the planned talks with Iran were intended to be held within the established timeline and would address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the talks should not be limited solely to the nuclear program; he stated that Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional armed groups and internal developments within the country must also be addressed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in statements throughout January 2026, affirmed Iran’s openness to diplomatic engagement. However, Araghchi stressed that negotiations could not be conducted under threat, pressure or coercion. At a press conference in Istanbul, he stated: “We have no intention of accepting any imposition or command under any circumstances.”

In another statement, Araghchi said Iran was prepared to participate in a diplomatic process defined as “fair and just,” but insisted that the format, location and agenda of the talks must be clearly defined in advance.

Iranian officials also stated that Iran’s ballistic missile program and defense capabilities would not be subject to negotiation, explaining that these areas fall under the country’s national security considerations.

Planning Process and Venue Discussions

As of January 2026, efforts to restart diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States gained momentum. During this period, both sides made mutual statements regarding the resumption of nuclear program-focused talks.

US President Donald Trump, in statements during January, confirmed that contacts with Iranian officials were ongoing and that talks were being planned. However, he provided no details on the content of the proposed talks.

In initial discussions regarding the resumption of talks, the possibility of holding meetings in Turkey, in Istanbul was raised. Istanbul was considered accessible and suitable as a diplomatic venue by both parties.

At this stage, the potential for the talks to be conducted in a multilateral format, with the participation of certain regional countries as facilitators, was discussed. However, the Istanbul option did not gain definitive agreement due to disagreements between the parties over the scope and format of the talks.

The Iranian side demanded that the talks be held in Oman and conducted exclusively in a bilateral format. Iranian officials cited the fact that previous nuclear negotiations had been held in Oman and focused solely on the nuclear file as justification for this demand. Iran insisted that the agenda of the talks be limited exclusively to the nuclear program and that the ballistic missile program and defense capabilities remain outside the scope of negotiation.

The US administration opposed Iran’s demand to restrict the talks solely to the nuclear program. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the talks must include Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional armed groups and internal developments in the country.

Rubio, without confirming reports that the talks would be held in Oman, said: “We had assumed an agreement had been reached for the meeting to take place in Turkey. However, yesterday I saw conflicting reports indicating that Iran had refused to accept this, so work on this issue is still ongoing.”

The US Secretary emphasized that certain issues must be on the table for the talks to achieve a meaningful outcome: “For the talks to be truly meaningful, they must include certain items, such as the range of ballistic missiles, support for terrorist organizations in the region, nuclear programs and treatment of their own people.”

Oman’s Mediation Role and the Selection of Muscat as the Negotiation Venue

Following the disputes over the location of the talks, it was announced that both sides had agreed on Muscat, the capital of Oman. Iranian and US officials publicly confirmed that the talks would be held in Muscat, with the definitive date set for 6 February 2026.

The Iranian side insisted that the talks be conducted in a bilateral format, emphasizing that third countries should not participate directly in the negotiations.

US–Iran Nuclear Talks – Second Round

The second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran took place on 17 February 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks were held at the Omani Embassy residence and the Omani mission building in Geneva. The discussions followed an indirect format conducted through message exchanges.

The second round of indirect nuclear talks began at approximately 10.00 local time (09.00 GMT). The meeting lasted about 2.5 hours. After the talks, the parties departed without making any public statements.

It was reported that the key points of disagreement remained the uranium enrichment level and the removal of high-enriched uranium stockpiles from Iran. The parties indicated they would return to their respective capitals and reconvene at a later date.

Prior to the talks, it was reported that preliminary contacts had taken place between Iran and Oman, with Iran conveying its positions on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and the framework of a potential agreement to the Omani side. It was also reported that the United States held discussions with Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs during the same period.

US President Donald Trump, in a statement prior to the talks, described the second round of contacts as “very important” and affirmed that he would remain involved in the process “indirectly.” The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it believed the United States had shifted its stance on nuclear matters toward a “more realistic position.”

Delegations and Participants

The Iranian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the Iranian delegation arrived in Geneva with a “full cadre: a political, legal, economic and technical team.” The same statement emphasized that the Iranian delegation was prepared on both technical and nuclear matters as well as economic issues, particularly regarding the lifting of sanctions.

The United States was represented by Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Also participating in the US delegation was presidential advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The talks were coordinated by Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Baghaei stated that earlier in the morning the US side had met with Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and that Iran’s positions on nuclear issues, sanctions relief and the framework of a potential agreement had been conveyed to the US side. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Geneva on 16 February, one day before the talks.

Contacts between the IAEA and both parties occurred prior to and during the second round. Baghaei confirmed that talks had taken place between Iran and the IAEA the previous day and that similar contacts had also occurred between the US delegation and the IAEA Director General.

Agenda Items of the Talks

Nuclear Program and Uranium Enrichment

The central agenda item during the second round of talks was Iran’s nuclear program. The main points of disagreement between the parties included the uranium enrichment level and the removal of high-enriched uranium stockpiles from Iran.

The United States reportedly insisted that Iran halt all uranium enrichment activities and remove its high-enriched uranium stockpiles from the country. It was also reported that the United States demanded Iran completely abandon uranium enrichment.

Iran, however, stated that it seeks the lifting of sanctions in exchange for continuing its nuclear activities within limits designed to prevent nuclear weapons production.

Araghchi, in a post on X platform, stated “I am in Geneva with real ideas to reach a fair and balanced agreement” and added “What is not on the table: capitulation under threat.”

Lifting of Sanctions

One of Iran’s primary focus areas in the negotiations was the lifting of economic sanctions. It was reported that sanctions relief was addressed alongside nuclear issues. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that sanctions relief was discussed during the talks.

It was indicated that the release of Iran’s blocked or restricted funds could be a component of any agreement. Iranian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hamid Ghanbari stated that for any agreement to be sustainable, the United States must derive economic benefit and added “In the previous agreement, the United States did not gain financially. This time, for the agreement to be sustainable, America must gain financially, particularly in areas offering high and rapid economic returns.”

Ghanbari further emphasized that the release of Iran’s blocked or restricted funds must be included as a specific provision of any agreement, stating “The release of Iran’s blocked or restricted funds will also be a clause of the agreement.” He stressed that such a release must be “real and usable.”

Missile Program and Regional Issues

It was reported that the US administration sought to expand the scope of negotiations beyond nuclear issues. The United States reportedly aimed to raise Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the region. The US demanded that Iran limit its ballistic missile capabilities and cease support for regional armed groups. Iran, however, emphasized that its missile program and other matters were outside the scope of the negotiations.

Official Statements Prior to the Talks

Prior to the talks, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei affirmed Iran’s commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), stating “According to Article 4 of the treaty, our right includes peaceful nuclear energy use, which includes enrichment.” Baghaei noted that Iran participated in the talks under “conditions of complete suspicion and mistrust” and added that Iran aimed to conclude the negotiations as quickly as possible.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a statement prior to the second round, stated that his goal was “a fair and balanced agreement.” Earlier, after the first round, he had said “Any dialogue must avoid threats and pressure. [Iran] discusses only nuclear issues… We do not discuss any other matters with the United States.”

The United States’ demands include Iran completely abandoning uranium enrichment. The US also reportedly seeks limits on Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and an end to its support for allied armed groups in the region. These demands have been supported by some European countries and Israel.

US President Donald Trump, in his remarks on the talks, said “I do not think they want to face the consequences of not reaching an agreement.” Trump previously warned that “the consequences would be very severe.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated “I will not approach these talks with preconceptions” and added “If there is an opportunity to reach a diplomatic agreement that addresses our concerns, we are very open to it. But we do not want to overstate it.”

Following the commencement of the second round of talks, senior Iranian officials issued several statements. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a speech regarding US military threats against Iran, reminded listeners that “the US president has failed to destroy Iran for the past 47 years. He has complained to his own people. That is a good admission. You will not succeed at this either.”

Khamenei stated that the United States was attempting to predetermine the outcome of the negotiations, declaring “If negotiations are to be held, predetermining their outcome is wrong and foolish.” In the same speech, he asserted that the purpose of the US calling Iran to the negotiating table was to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear energy. In response to US threats to send an aircraft carrier, Khamenei said “Something more dangerous than an aircraft carrier is a weapon capable of sinking it into the sea.” He also added “The ‘world’s strongest military’ can sometimes receive a blow from which it cannot recover.”

Military Buildup and Developments in the Strait of Hormuz

Prior to the second round of talks, both the United States and Iran increased their military presence in the region. BBC Verify confirmed via satellite imagery that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was operating near Iran. It was also reported that the United States had deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford, described as the world’s largest warship, and that the vessel could reach the region within three weeks. The number of destroyers, warships and combat aircraft in the region was reported to have increased.

Iran also increased its military activities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a naval exercise named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz.” The exercise reportedly included missile operations, unmanned aerial vehicles and maneuvers by rapid response units.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” naval exercise. IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, emphasizing the vital importance of the Strait of Hormuz to Iran, stated “We will stand to the very end against any adversary for these islands and these waters.” The same commander announced that the IRGC had established “24-hour full intelligence dominance” over the Strait of Hormuz. It was stated that IRGC surveillance covered surface, air and underwater levels. According to Fars News Agency, certain sections of the Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily closed to shipping for several hours under security measures.

Statements Following the Second Round of Talks

Statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Following the second round of talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that progress had been made in the indirect nuclear negotiations. Araghchi stated that the parties had reached agreement on a framework, saying “Ultimately, we have achieved broad consensus on a set of guiding principles; we will build on this foundation and begin working on the text of a potential agreement.” He added “Good progress has been made. We now have a clear path ahead, and I believe this is positive.”

Araghchi noted that narrowing the remaining differences between the parties would take time. Regarding the draft text process, he stated “When both sides prepare draft texts for an agreement, the drafts will be exchanged mutually and a date for the third round of talks will be set.”

Statements by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, referring to the negotiations, said “The talks are being conducted under the approval of the Supreme Leader. Our goal is not to talk for the sake of talking but to resolve issues. We are serious about reaching a conclusion and hope the negotiation process yields concrete results.”

Pezeshkian also emphasized Iran’s good relations with neighboring and Islamic countries, stating that these relations had helped resolve many issues, and added “The condemnation of Israel’s attacks against Iran by other countries and the efforts of neighbors to reduce tensions in the region are a reflection of this cooperation.”

Statements by US Vice President JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance, in his assessment following the second round of talks, noted that President Donald Trump had “many options” regarding negotiations with Iran, stating “We have a very strong military. The president has shown he is willing to use it. We also have an exceptional diplomatic team. He has shown he is willing to use that as well.”

Vance affirmed that the United States had certain red lines, foremost among them preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying “If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, many other regimes will seek to acquire them afterward, some of them friendly, others not so friendly.” He warned that such a scenario would be a disaster for the American people and defended President Trump’s efforts to prevent it.

Vance said, “As the president himself has said, we very much prefer to resolve this through diplomatic negotiation, but the president has all options on the table.”

Vance noted that the talks had “gone well in some respects” but added “It is clear that the Iranians are not yet ready to accept some of the red lines set by Trump. Therefore, we will continue working. However, of course, the president reserves the right to say when diplomacy has reached its end. We hope we do not reach that point, but whether or not we do will be the president’s decision.”

Diplomatic and Military Developments After the Geneva Talks

White House Spokesperson’s Statements

Following the US–Iran talks in Geneva, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt assessed recent developments regarding Iran during a press briefing.

Leavitt noted that US President Donald Trump’s first preference on Iran was “diplomacy,” and stated, “It would be very smart for Iran to reach an agreement with President Trump and this administration.”

Leavitt said that in the event no agreement is reached with Iran, the US President remains in constant contact with the National Security team and other relevant officials regarding potential military strike preparations, and that the United States will not share any timeline regarding its next steps on Iran.

Referring to the Iran talks held in Geneva, Switzerland, Leavitt remarked, “Some progress has been made, but we are still far from an agreement on certain issues.” We expect the Iranians to return to us with more detailed responses in the coming weeks.

In response to a question about how long Trump will wait for Iran’s reply, Leavitt answered, “That decision rests with the President; he will make the call.”

Answering a question about coordination with Israel regarding a potential US strike on Iran, Leavitt affirmed that the United States is in close cooperation with Israel but declined to provide details.

Deployment of US Air Assets in Europe and the Middle East

On 18 February, it was reported that the United States deployed a large number of fighter aircraft and related assets to its bases in Europe and the Middle East. Following the Geneva talks with Iran, the United States continued its shipments of munitions and air assets to the region.

According to open-source flight data, six F-22 fighter jets that took off from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, United States, arrived at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

It was reported that an RC-135 Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft, previously conducting missions from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, was relocated to the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean. Numerous P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, including one patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, were reported to be conducting missions in the Middle East.

On 16 February, 18 F-35 aircraft were observed departing from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, escorted by aerial refueling tankers heading toward the region. It was also reported that the United States sent two E-3 Sentry AWACS airborne command and control aircraft to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.

In a report by the American news platform Axios, citing unnamed sources, it was claimed that the United States is “closer to a major war with Iran than most Americans realize, and it could begin very soon.”

The report stated that “a US military operation against Iran could be large, lasting for weeks, and fully resourced,” and suggested that such an attack might likely be a “joint US-Israel operation.” It further reported that “more than 150 US military cargo flights delivered weapons systems and munitions to the Middle East. In just the last 24 hours, an additional 50 fighter jets of types F-35, F-22, and F-16 have departed for the region.”

Citing two Israeli officials, the report claimed that the Israeli government advocates regime change in Iran and targeting its nuclear and missile programs, and that it is “preparing for a war scenario within days.” The report also included the claim by an unnamed Trump advisor that there is a “90 percent probability of an attack within the coming weeks.”

Israel’s War Preparations

According to Israeli state television channel KAN, the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee discussed preparations for a potential war against Iran. Committee officials were briefed by Shai Clapper, Secretary of the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command.

Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth, a Likud Member of Knesset, said after the meeting, “There is no Israeli citizen who does not ask himself several times a day when an attack on Iran will begin.” Bismuth emphasized that Israelis are preparing and are ready for every possible scenario.

According to a report in Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Clapper’s meeting with committee members involved a classified security assessment focused on missile and drone launch preparations. It was suggested that following the Geneva talks, “Israel is preparing for the possibility that the negotiations will collapse.”

Following assessments that the United States may launch a potential strike on Iran “in the near future,” the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command was ordered to raise its alert level. In this context, the Home Front Command issued a “war preparation” directive to civil defense and emergency response units.

A senior Israeli official stated, “The timeline is narrowing. This applies to military preparations as well. There is only one person who will ultimately make the decision.”

Iran’s Official Statements

According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with civil society representatives in Lorestan Province. In his remarks, Pezeshkian emphasized that US concerns about democracy in Iran are a deception, stating, “The United States openly said it wanted to seize Venezuela’s oil. It has adopted a similar stance toward Canada and other countries. We do not want war. I believe we must set aside war. But if forced into imposition, we will not bow.””

Statements Regarding Diego Garcia and Fairford Bases

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump appealed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Diego Garcia. Emphasizing the island’s highly strategic location, he reiterated his call for Britain not to return the territory to Mauritius.

In his post, Trump stated, “If Iran decides not to reach an agreement, the United States may need to use Diego Garcia and the air base at Fairford to eliminate the potential threat posed by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

Trump also urged Starmer to extend long-term control over Diego Garcia through lease agreements, stating, “Prime Minister Starmer must not under any circumstances lose control of Diego Garcia. He should sign a lease agreement for up to 100 years. Do not give up Diego Garcia.”

US Military Buildup in the Middle East

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing US government officials and former military personnel, the United States has recently strengthened its air and naval forces in the region “against Iran.”

The report claimed that the United States currently has the largest air power deployed in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq and is preparing for a possible strike against Iran. This military buildup, the report stated, is intended not as a one-time strike on Iranian nuclear facilities as occurred in June 2025, but as a potential “weeks-long air war” against Iran.

The report noted that all military briefings presented to Trump in the event of an attack aim to “maximize damage to the Iranian regime and its regional proxies.” Military options include targeting Iranian political and military leaders and conducting air strikes against nuclear and ballistic missile facilities.

The report recalled that Trump seeks an agreement that would eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, dismantle regional proxies, and destroy ballistic missiles. It noted that Iran refuses to give up its ballistic missiles due to its weak air force and relies on them as its primary deterrent in any potential military crisis.

The report also stated that Iran possesses a “missile arsenal” capable of targeting US bases in the region, as well as the ability to close the Strait of Hormuz. It noted that the US military presence in the region is smaller than during the 1991 and 2003 deployments, and that the US Air Force is now significantly smaller under current conditions.

The report highlighted that in the event of a military strike, there would be no US or allied ground forces to support operations, and that without Israeli air force participation, no international coalition would exist.

Flight tracking data indicates that F-35, F-15, F-16, E-3, and E-11 aircraft have been deployed to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. According to a US Navy official, the United States has 13 ships in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean ready to support a potential operation.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, accompanied by nine destroyers capable of ballistic missile defense, is already in the region, while the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and four attack-capable destroyers are en route.

Retired US Air Force General David Deptula characterized the force buildup as “the best outcome is the dramatic increase in deployed forces.” Deptula added, “The best outcome is that this increase serves as a clear enough signal to Iran’s leaders that Trump is not joking about using force, thereby encouraging them to reach an agreement.”

Iran–US Talks (2026) are indirect nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, initiated on 6 February 2026 in Muscat, the capital of Oman and conducted under Omani mediation. Following the first round of talks in Muscat, the process continued with a second round on 17 February 2026 in Geneva. The third round of talks was held on 26 February 2026 in Geneva, and it was decided that technical-level discussions would continue in Vienna.

The negotiations encompass a multistage diplomatic process during which the parties addressed their respective positions on nuclear programs, uranium enrichment activities and the lifting of sanctions.

The talks were shaped with the aim of restarting the nuclear diplomacy process that had been interrupted following military clashes between Iran and Israel in June 2025, which also involved the United States. The process is taking place amid rising Iran–US tensions and increased US military presence in the Middle East.

Political and Diplomatic Background of the Talks (2025–2026)

The Iran–US talks planned for early 2026 emerged in the diplomatic environment following the military clashes between Iran and Israel on 13 June 2025, which lasted 12 days. During these clashes, Iran’s nuclear facilities were targeted, and this development effectively interrupted the nuclear negotiation process between Iran and Western countries.

Until this period, five rounds of indirect nuclear talks had been conducted between Iran and the United States. While a sixth round was planned, negotiations were suspended due to the June 2025 clashes. In the aftermath of this military escalation, no direct or indirect talks took place between Iran and the United States for the remainder of 2025; the parties communicated only through public statements and third-party intermediaries.

At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, protests erupted across Iran due to economic conditions, inflation and the rapid depreciation of the national currency. The protests quickly spread to many cities. It was reported that hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were arrested during security force interventions.

The Iranian government restricted internet access, intensified security measures and launched large-scale security operations during the protests. These developments directly affected the diplomatic process between Iran and the United States.

US President Donald Trump cited the government’s crackdown on protests as justification for using the phrase “very strong military options” against Iran and explicitly raised the possibility of military intervention.

The United States administration stated in its January and February 2026 communications that it remained open to diplomatic contact with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump’s priority regarding Iran was diplomacy, but that military options were not entirely ruled out.

Leavitt clarified that the planned talks with Iran were intended to be held within the established schedule and would address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the talks should not be limited solely to the nuclear program; he stated that the ballistic missile program, Iran’s support for regional armed groups and internal developments within the country must also be addressed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in statements throughout January 2026, affirmed Iran’s openness to the diplomatic process. However, Araghchi stressed that negotiations could not be conducted under threat, pressure or coercion. At a press conference in Istanbul, he stated: “We have no intention of accepting any imposition or command under any circumstances.”

In another statement, Araghchi said Iran was ready to participate in a diplomatic process defined as “fair and just,” but insisted that the format, location and agenda of the talks must be clearly established in advance.

Iranian officials further stated that the ballistic missile program and defense capabilities would not be subject to negotiation, emphasizing that these areas fall under Iran’s national security considerations.

Planning Process and Venue Disputes

As of January 2026, efforts to restart diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States gained momentum. During this period, both sides made mutual statements regarding the resumption of nuclear program-focused talks.

US President Donald Trump, in statements during January, confirmed that contacts with Iranian officials were ongoing and that talks were being planned. However, he did not provide details on the content of the talks.

In the initial contacts regarding the resumption of talks, the possibility of holding meetings in Istanbul, Turkey was raised. Istanbul was considered accessible and suitable as a diplomatic venue by both parties.

At this stage, the potential for the talks to be conducted in a multilateral format, with the participation of some regional countries as facilitators, was discussed. However, the Istanbul option did not gain definitive agreement due to disagreements between the parties regarding the scope and format of the talks.

The Iranian side insisted that the talks be held in Oman and conducted exclusively in a bilateral format between the two countries. Iranian officials cited the fact that previous nuclear negotiations had been held in Oman and focused solely on the nuclear file as justification for this demand. Iran insisted that the agenda of the talks be limited exclusively to the nuclear program and that the ballistic missile program and defense capabilities remain outside the scope of negotiations.

The US administration opposed Iran’s demand to limit the talks solely to the nuclear program. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the talks must include Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional armed groups and internal developments within the country.

Rubio, while not confirming reports that talks would be held in Oman, said: “We had assumed an agreement had been reached that the meeting would take place in Turkey. However, yesterday I saw conflicting reports indicating that the Iranian side did not accept this, so work on this issue is still ongoing.”

The US Secretary emphasized that certain issues must be on the table for the talks to achieve a meaningful outcome: “For the talks to be truly meaningful, they must include certain items. These include the range of ballistic missiles, support for terrorist organizations in the region, nuclear programs and treatment of their own people.”

Oman’s Mediation Role and the Selection of Muscat as the Negotiation Venue

Following the disputes over the location of the talks, it was announced that both sides had agreed on Muscat, the capital of Oman. Iranian and US officials publicly confirmed that the talks would be held in Muscat, with the official date set for 6 February 2026.

The Iranian side insisted that the talks be conducted in a bilateral format, emphasizing that third countries should not participate directly in the negotiations.