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Araghi: Progress in Talks with US on Nuclear Issue Does Not Mean Agreement

Published February 17, 2026, 17:12
Araghi: Progress in Talks with US on Nuclear Issue Does Not Mean Agreement

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with the United States in Geneva, while making progress, do not imply an immediate agreement. Both sides agreed on a set of guiding principles that could lead to a potential agreement on Iran's nuclear program. Araghchi described the new round of negotiations as “more constructive” than the previous one in Oman, adding that both sides will continue to work on draft texts and a date will be set for a third session. However, the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that the United States should stop threatening Iran with the use of force. Simultaneously with the talks, Iranian state media reported that Iran could temporarily close parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil supply route, during the negotiations. The United States has sent a combat force to the Persian Gulf region, putting pressure on Tehran to make concessions. The situation is complicated by statements from leaders of both countries, with Donald Trump talking about “regime change” in Iran and Ayatollah Khamenei stating that US efforts will fail. Also, during the Geneva talks, Iranian state media announced the temporary closure of parts of the Strait for security reasons, while the Revolutionary Guards conducted military exercises in the area.