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February 17, 2026international eventnuclear nonproliferationdiplomatic negotiationsMiddle East policyforeign policynuclear weaponsdiplomacy

U.S. and Iran agree on nuclear deal guiding principles in Geneva

U.S. and Iranian negotiators concluded a second round of talks in Geneva, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announcing agreement on a set of "guiding principles" to form the basis of a future nuclear accord. The U.S. delegation, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, sought to include Iran's ballistic missile program in any deal; Iran rejected that condition. Both sides agreed to develop draft texts before a third round of talks, though Secretary of State Rubio expressed public skepticism that a deal was achievable.