Iran and U.S. Nuclear Talks Show Progress but Divisions Remain

Iranian Foreign Ministry website

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives for Iran–U.S. talks in Muscat, Oman, Friday, 6 February 2026.

Negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme have entered a crucial phase, with both sides reporting advance in dialogue even as key differences persist. The talks, part of efforts to prevent a potential military confrontation, continued in Geneva this week under the mediation of Oman. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the latest round of indirect talks with the U.S. delegation as intensive and productive, saying they had “made very good progress” in discussions on nuclear limits and sanctions relief. Iranian officials said technical teams will resume detailed negotiations next week in Vienna, Austria, focusing on specific elements of a possible agreement. 

Oman’s foreign ministry also characterised the discussions as having achieved “significant progress”, noting that both sides plan to continue negotiations after consulting with their capitals. 

Despite optimism, Tehran has urged Washington to show seriousness and avoid “excessive demands” if the talks are to succeed. Araghchi told counterparts that progress depends on the U.S. lowering demands that Iran views as unrealistic, particularly regarding Tehran’s nuclear rights under international law. 

The negotiations centre mainly on Iran’s nuclear enrichment levels, the size of its enriched uranium stockpile, and the lifting of economic sanctions that have weighed heavily on Iran’s economy. While Iran insists the dialogue focus on nuclear and sanctions issues, the U.S. side has also highlighted broader security concerns — including Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its regional policies — as part of a comprehensive settlement framework. 

The current dialogue comes amid broader regional pressure. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East and has warned Tehran that a failure to reach an agreement could lead to further action. At the same time, oil markets responded with price movements this week after reports of progress at the talks, reflecting global expectations that a deal could ease sanctions and boost supply.

Sources: Euro News, Reuters, and Khaleej Times



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