GENEVA, Feb 26 – The United States and Iran are exploring a potential framework for a nuclear agreement if Washington separates nuclear and non-nuclear issues, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the negotiations have been intense and serious, with remaining gaps expected to be addressed during a third round of talks in Geneva.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that Tehran’s right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes must be recognized and that sanctions should be lifted. Tehran has agreed in principle to curbs on its nuclear activities in return for sanction relief but continues to reject linking negotiations to Iran’s missile program or regional activities.
Mediator Oman expressed cautious optimism, noting that U.S. and Iranian negotiators exchanged positive and creative ideas during Thursday’s talks. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi confirmed negotiators took a break but planned to resume discussions later in the day.U.S. officials remain concerned about Iran’s ballistic missile program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran’s refusal to discuss its missile program as a “big problem,” highlighting that these missiles are designed to strike America and threaten regional stability. Rubio added that progress on nuclear issues is essential before addressing missile concerns.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed that talks would remain focused solely on nuclear matters and sanctions relief, underlining Tehran’s seriousness and flexibility in negotiations. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have engaged in indirect talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, continuing efforts to prevent a conflict after heightened U.S. military deployments in the region.
Both sides appear committed to dialogue, signaling that progress may be possible if nuclear and non-nuclear issues are treated separately.
