US & Iran: New Talks Set as US Accuses Iran of Blocking Nuclear Deal Progress

Negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement continue, with both sides publicly attributing stalled progress to the other’s inflexibility. Despite describing initial talks as “very good,” U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if a deal cannot be reached to curtail Iran’s nuclear program, escalating tensions in the region.

The latest round of indirect talks, facilitated by Oman, took place in Muscat earlier this month, on February 6, 2026. A follow-up meeting was held in Geneva on Tuesday, according to Iranian officials. These discussions represent a renewed effort by the Trump administration to secure limitations on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a program that suffered setbacks during last year’s conflict with Israel but remains a significant regional security concern.

Speaking to the BBC, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the onus is now on the United States to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reaching an agreement. If they are sincere, I am confident that we will be on the way to an agreement, he said. This statement follows repeated assertions from U.S. Officials that Iran is the primary obstacle to progress in the protracted negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio on Saturday indicated that President Trump supports a deal, but acknowledged the difficulty in achieving one with Iran. The U.S. Is reportedly pushing for stricter limitations on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, a demand that Tehran has so far rejected.

The current diplomatic efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened military posturing. The U.S. Has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with other warships and missile defense systems. This move is widely interpreted as a signal of resolve and a demonstration of the U.S.’s willingness to use force if necessary.

The first round of high-level meetings, led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, took place in Oman on April 12, 2025, lasting 62 days until June 13, 2025. Both the Iranian Foreign Minister and the White House initially described the discussions as constructive. A subsequent round of talks was held in Rome on April 19, 2025, again involving indirect discussions between Witkoff and Araghchi.

However, progress has been limited. Reports suggest that significant disagreements remain over the scope and duration of any potential agreement. The U.S. Is seeking to address not only Iran’s current nuclear program but also its ballistic missile program and its regional activities, issues that Iran has consistently resisted linking to the nuclear file.

The negotiations are taking place in the shadow of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. Unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under the previous administration, reimposing sanctions on Iran and triggering a period of escalating tensions. The current efforts represent an attempt to forge a new agreement that addresses U.S. Concerns while also providing Iran with economic benefits.

The situation is further complicated by Iran’s ongoing economic crisis and domestic political challenges. The country has been grappling with severe economic sanctions, a declining currency, and widespread protests. These factors may influence Iran’s negotiating position and its willingness to compromise.

The potential for military confrontation remains a significant concern. Trump’s repeated threats of force, coupled with the increased U.S. Military presence in the region, have raised fears of a wider conflict. Any miscalculation or escalation could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond.

The involvement of other regional actors, such as Israel, also adds to the complexity of the situation. Israel has consistently opposed any easing of restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and has warned that it is prepared to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

While both Washington and Tehran publicly express a desire for a diplomatic solution, the path forward remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the two countries can overcome their differences and reach an agreement that averts a potentially catastrophic conflict. The second round of talks in Geneva will be closely watched for any signs of progress or renewed deadlock.