US-Iran nuclear talks set for Thursday in Geneva as Oman confirms mediation

2026-02-22 - 21:02

The United States and Iran will hold a new round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed Sunday. "Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal," Albusaidi posted on X. Proposal Deadline The announcement follows US news website Axios reporting Sunday that Washington is ready for another round only if Iran provides a detailed nuclear proposal within two days. A senior US official confirmed the planned meeting but stated the Trump administration is still awaiting Tehran's submission, expected by Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS the proposal is being finalized to "accommodate both sides' concerns and trusts," with Iranian leadership yet to sign off. Military Backdrop Senior US officials warned this diplomatic effort may represent "the final window" before Washington authorizes a large-scale joint military operation with Israel—potentially targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly, according to Axios. President Donald Trump set a 10- to 15-day window Thursday for negotiations to yield results before military options, reiterating Friday he is considering a limited strike to pressure Iran into a "serious" agreement. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional fighter jets have arrived in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford en route. Oman's Mediation Oman has played a key mediating role in indirect contacts, hosting the first round in Muscat earlier this month followed by a second Geneva round. The renewed diplomacy occurs amid heightened regional tensions and a significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf.