US and Iran Agree to Meet Technical Teams, Diplomacy Remains Open

GENEVA, THURSDAY — The third round of negotiations between the United States and Iran has agreed to a follow-up meeting by the technical teams. Washington has brought heavy demands to Tehran.

The agreement for a follow-up meeting was announced by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi on Thursday evening (26/2/2026) Geneva time, or Friday morning WIB. "We have concluded the day after significant progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran," Al-Busaidi wrote on social media.

"We will continue shortly after consultations in our respective capitals. Technical-level discussions will take place next week in Vienna. I thank all parties for their efforts: the negotiators, the IAEA, and our host, the Swiss Government," he added.

In the latest series of negotiations between the US and Iran, Oman acted as a mediator. Oman conveyed messages from the parties during the indirect meeting. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, was present as a supporting facilitator.

The U.S. team is led by U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Meanwhile, Iran is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the Geneva meeting, also issued a written statement. "Today is one of the most serious and longest rounds of negotiations. We had nearly four hours in the morning and more than two hours in the afternoon. The negotiations were conducted indirectly, with Mr. Al-Busaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman, and in some parts, Mr. Grossi facilitating discussions between both parties," the written statement read.

"During these long and intensive hours, we have made good progress. We are seriously addressing the elements of the agreement, both in the nuclear field and in the area of sanctions. Regarding several matters, there is now a mutual understanding, and in other respects, it is natural for us to have differing opinions. However, there may be greater seriousness on both sides compared to before, with the aim of reaching a negotiated solution," the statement continued.

The technical teams of Iran and the United States will meet in Vienna, Austria, next Monday. The teams will convene at the IAEA office to develop a framework for addressing several technical issues. "We have clearly outlined our expectations regarding the lifting of sanctions. Consultations need to be conducted in the capital, and after that, we will hold the fourth round of negotiations next week," the statement said.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US has made tough demands on Iran. It demands that Iran completely dismantle its nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The remaining enriched uranium at those three sites must be shipped to the US.

They also reaffirmed that any nuclear agreement must last indefinitely. This includes the 2015 Nuclear Agreement, also known as the JCPOA. In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA and subsequently imposed additional sanctions on Iran.

The demand from the US arose after Trump warned in his state speech on Tuesday that Iran continues to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that could strike the US. Iran has denied these allegations.

The demands may be difficult for Tehran to accept. On the other hand, both parties are seeking diplomatic alternatives aside from a U.S. attack. Trump has threatened to strike Iran if an agreement is not reached.

Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium but has proposed measures to appease the United States. These proposals include reducing enrichment to as low as 1.5 percent from the current level of 60 percent.

Iran has also proposed a moratorium on uranium enrichment for several years. Tehran has also offered another alternative, namely that uranium be processed jointly with Iran and its neighbors in the region.

The US insists that Iran should not enrich uranium. Nevertheless, the US negotiating team may be open to allowing Iran to restart its nuclear reactor in Tehran. The reactor could process enrichment at very low levels for medical purposes.

In fact, the level of concessions is facing intense pressure from hardline groups in the Iranian government and among members of the Republican Party in the United States. Officials and lawmakers are concerned about the substance and the perception of Trump accepting an agreement with limited enrichment that could be seen as a "light version of the JCPOA."

The United States only offers minimal sanctions relief to Iran as part of the agreement. This has become a point of friction between the United States and Iran, as Iran hopes for substantial relief for its economy.

The United States wants to see Iran comply with these requirements for an extended period. If Iran is deemed compliant, the United States will consider additional sanctions relief.

A source for The Wall Street Journal said the US might agree to discuss only nuclear issues in this round of negotiations because it wants to reach a deal.

Several U.S. officials have stated that negotiations regarding missiles and Iran's support for regional militias can be handled by U.S. regional partners based on input from the U.S. Other officials believe that the U.S. should push for a broader agreement.

The agreement includes nuclear programs, missiles, and support for militias. On the other hand, the officials acknowledged that a nuclear agreement alone would be a significant starting point if it were the only option available.

Senior U.S. officials have expressed concerns regarding Iran's development of long-range ballistic missile capabilities, but have declined to provide further details. (AP/AFP)