Geneva negotiations loom as Trump considers strikes on Iran

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing to travel to Geneva this week for another round of US-Iran negotiations, as diplomatic efforts remain precarious amid rising regional tensions and the continued threat of American airstrikes.

President Donald Trump’s special envoy and son-in-law are scheduled to participate in talks on Thursday, February 26, individuals familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg. The meetings represent the latest attempt to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.

In recent weeks, US and Iranian officials have been working to secure a nuclear agreement. However, the prospect of US military action has cast a shadow over the diplomatic push. The United States has deployed significant military assets to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, fighter aircraft, and aerial refuelling tankers.

On Friday, Trump said he is “considering” limited strikes against Iran and warned that Tehran faces a narrowing window to reach a nuclear deal. Heightening concerns about regional stability, the United States Department of State on February 23 ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from the US Embassy in Beirut following a security assessment.

“This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens,” a senior State Department official said, speaking on the customary condition of anonymity.

Approximately 40 embassy staff members departed via Beirut’s international airport on Monday, according to a Lebanese security source.

Also on Monday, Iran signalled that negotiations would not continue if military action were to take place. A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed the idea of talks proceeding after any strike.

“Does it make sense that they strike against us and we keep negotiating with them?” Esmail Baghaei said.

By Tamilla Hasanova