Iran, UAE FMs discuss US nuclear talks, regional developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held a phone conversation with his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Al Nahyan on the current progress of the talks, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The discussion covered regional and international developments, as well as recent progress in Iran–U.S. nuclear talks.

The ministers also reviewed the current situation in the region and emphasised the importance of continuing consultations and cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides highlighted the need to protect shared interests and ensure stability and security in the region.

The indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States focus on Iran’s nuclear program — particularly its uranium enrichment levels — and conditions under which the U.S. would lift sanctions in exchange for limitations and assurances that Iran’s program remains exclusively peaceful. The talks are indirect because they are mediated by Oman, with the U.S. and Iranian delegations in separate rooms communicating through intermediaries.

The upcoming negotiations follow two previous rounds of talks held earlier this month in Geneva as Washington and Tehran seek to resolve a long‑running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.

The first round of indirect talks took place on February 6, when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met in Geneva to discuss possible frameworks for a deal, though no breakthrough was achieved and core issues such as uranium enrichment remained unresolved.

On February 17-18, 2026, the United States and Iran held a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman’s diplomatic mission. US and Iranian delegations, including senior envoys, met to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions. Both sides reported that “progress” and an understanding on guiding principles were reached during the talks, although no final agreement was concluded.

By Khagan Isayev