On February 17, 2026, the United States and Iran are set to hold talks in Geneva on the issue of Iran’s nuclear weapons. President Trump stated on Monday, February 16, that he would participate “indirectly” in the US-Iran negotiations, expressing that Iran does not want to face the consequences of not reaching an agreement.
“I will be indirectly involved in these negotiations. And these negotiations are very important,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Leading up to the negotiations, tensions between the US and Iran escalated, with the deployment of a second aircraft carrier fleet to the Middle East in addition to the presence of the Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group. Flight radar data showed that another batch of 18 F-35 fighter jets and several refueling aircraft arrived in the Middle East on Monday.
As the US dual aircraft carriers approach Iran, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday. This meeting could be a pivotal moment in determining the direction of US-Iran relations, signaling whether the two countries are moving towards a new nuclear agreement or towards conflict.
US officials have expressed hope that Iran will make substantial concessions on its nuclear program during the negotiations.
When asked about the prospects of reaching an agreement, Trump noted that Iran has historically taken a hardline stance in negotiations. However, following the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities last summer, Iran has experienced the consequences of such actions.
“Iranians are tough negotiators…I hope they can be more rational,” Trump added.
The President hinted that Iranian authorities have a motivation for engaging in the negotiations this time. “I believe they do not want to face the consequences of not reaching an agreement,” Trump said.
Prior to the US airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June of last year, US-Iran nuclear talks hit a deadlock as the US insisted on Iran giving up uranium enrichment activities within its borders, which the US views as Iran’s pathway to acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We could have had a deal instead of sending B-2 bombers to destroy their nuclear potential. But we had to send the B-2 bombers,” Trump remarked, referring to the US military’s Midnight Hammer operation in June of last year.
Last week, Trump suggested that the best option would be a change in leadership in Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Geneva on Monday. al-Busaidi is mediating between the US and Iran and also met with the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who could play a role in overseeing and verifying any potential nuclear agreement.
“I have come to Geneva with a solid idea of reaching a fair and just agreement,” Araghchi wrote in a post on platform X on Monday. “Options not on the negotiation table: surrendering to threats.”
On Monday, Iran conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial international waterway and a significant passage for oil exports from Gulf Arab countries.
US Secretary of State LuBio stated during a visit to Hungary that reaching an agreement with Iran is extremely challenging.
“I believe there is an opportunity to reach an agreement through diplomatic means…but I do not want to overstate it,” Pompeo said.
“It will be very difficult. Reaching a genuine agreement with Iran is extremely challenging for anyone, as we are facing radical Shia religious leaders who make religious decisions, not geopolitical ones,” he added.
On Monday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham visited Israel and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He told Axios News that the Trump administration and the Israeli government are in complete coordination on Iran related issues.
“There is no daylight between Trump and Netanyahu,” Graham said.
He noted that the President is “pursuing two strategies simultaneously”: one focusing on diplomatic measures and the other involving potential military actions.
“Trump will not allow Iran to play endless negotiation games and constantly change conditions. He is fully aware of the consequences of taking action and not taking action,” Graham stated, adding that Iran’s actions will determine the course of many things.
Graham emphasized that Trump will make a decision in the coming weeks rather than months.