US ready for next Iran talks if nuclear proposal received within 48 hours

2026-02-22 - 20:32

The United States stands prepared to convene another round of nuclear negotiations with Iran in Geneva, contingent on Tehran providing a concrete proposal within the next 48 hours, Axios reported Sunday citing a senior US official. Such a submission would enable "detailed negotiations" toward a nuclear agreement, with interim arrangements possible before any comprehensive deal, the official indicated. Iran's Position and Timeline Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS that Iran is finalizing its proposal, working on elements designed to "accommodate both sides' concerns and trusts." While awaiting leadership approval, Araghchi expressed confidence in progress and suggested a Thursday meeting in Geneva, contrasting with Friday timing cited elsewhere. He insisted "the only way" to resolve the nuclear issue is through diplomacy, rejecting military pressure and US demands to expand negotiations to include ballistic missiles and regional proxies. "Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear, and there is no other subject," Araghchi stated. Military Backdrop and Final Window President Trump has established a 10-15 day timeframe for negotiations to yield results before military options are considered, reiterating threats of limited strikes to pressure Tehran toward serious agreement. Senior US officials warn the diplomatic effort may represent the final opportunity before Washington authorizes large-scale joint operations with Israel, potentially targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has already arrived in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford en route, as the US military buildup continues.