Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva have paused for a break and will resume later today, following what the Omani mediator described as an exchange of “innovative and positive ideas.”
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi announced the development, stating: “Today in Geneva, we exchanged innovative and positive ideas during the US-Iranian talks, and we hope to achieve further progress.” He confirmed that negotiators have temporarily paused and will reconvene later in the day.
IRNA correspondent: The Iranian and American negotiating delegations left the venue in Geneva after three hours of talks for internal consultations.
The discussions are set to resume in a few hours. pic.twitter.com/h1MIeVxW1i— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) February 26, 2026
The talks, now in their third round, are being mediated by Oman with both delegations present at the Omani embassy in Geneva. According to the Omani Foreign Ministry, the discussions have reviewed “the main elements of Iran’s nuclear program and the guarantees necessary to reach an agreement,” with both sides demonstrating “openness to new ideas and solutions.”
Omani Mediation Efforts
Prior to the start of Wednesday’s session, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with his Omani counterpart to convey Iran’s observations and perspectives on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions. Araqchi expressed appreciation for al-Busaidi’s efforts in advancing the diplomatic process, while noting that the success of the negotiations “requires seriousness from the other side and refraining from adopting contradictory positions and behaviors.”
Al-Busaidi affirmed “the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to supporting and facilitating the ongoing dialogue to bridge the differences in order to reach acceptable and sustainable solutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and its future course.”
The Omani Foreign Ministry earlier indicated that al-Busaidi was expected to meet with the American negotiating team to “convey the Iranian perspective and, in turn, listen to the ideas and proposals put forward by the American side.”
According to Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FM Badr Al-Busaidi met in Geneva with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Iranian proposals, US responses, and guarantees for a fair, lasting nuclear agreement.
Live coverage of Iran-US talks: https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym pic.twitter.com/TxvdLL140P
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) February 26, 2026
Reuters quoted a US official as saying that Special Envoy Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner are attending the indirect talks, with mediation continuing through al-Busaidi.
Iran’s Position
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Imam sayyed Ali Khamenei has issued a fatwa prohibiting weapons of mass destruction, asserting that this categorically means Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon.
Speaking during a meeting in Mazandaran Province, Pezeshkian emphasized that the government accepts protest “in its true sense,” but maintained that “the enemies of the country were seeking to overthrow the regime during those events.” He stressed that Iran “has been a victim of terrorism” and that “those who burned mosques and killed security personnel cannot be considered protesters.”
The president also affirmed that his country seeks to expand exchanges with neighboring countries, emphasizing that “our neighbors are our brothers, and if we unite, no country will dare to attack the oppressed.”
US Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed in an interview with Fox News that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is a primary objective of the administration, indicating that the military option remains on the table if diplomatic efforts fail.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a press conference that the Trump administration still prefers to reach a “comprehensive diplomatic settlement” with Iran, describing the Geneva talks as “another opportunity to talk.” He expressed hope they would achieve “tangible progress” on the nuclear issue.
Source: Agencies (translated and edited by Al-Manar)