US-Iran talks to be held in Geneva next week, hosted by Oman
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Switzerland has announced that Oman will host a round of US-Iran talks in Geneva next week, as part of ongoing efforts to address tensions over Tehran's nuclear program. This follows indirect discussions between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, held in Oman on February 6. The Swiss foreign ministry expressed its readiness to facilitate dialogue, with a spokesperson stating that Switzerland remains committed to mediating between the two nations.
Meanwhile, US President Trump has stepped up military pressure on Iran, recently sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. This move comes after he publicly commented on the potential for regime change in Iran, calling it "the best thing that could happen," while also signaling increased tensions over Tehran's nuclear activities. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was spotted off the coast of St. Thomas Island earlier this year, underscoring the growing military presence in the region.
The talks are expected to focus on limiting Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a long-standing point of contention between the US and its allies. These discussions come as Iran continues to navigate ongoing tensions with Israel, following last summer's conflict that saw US forces intervene in the region. The involvement of Oman as a mediator highlights the strategic role of Gulf nations in facilitating dialogue between regional powers.
As global attention remains on the potential for escalation in the Middle East, the outcome of these talks could have significant implications for regional stability and US-Iran relations. With Trump's administration doubling down on military deployments and diplomatic efforts, the world watches to see whether these high-stakes negotiations will yield progress or further strain an already volatile situation.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026