3rd round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks begins in Geneva

Media reporters wait outside the Omani ambassador's residence in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2026. The third round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks under the mediation of Oman began in Geneva, Switzerland, according to local media reports on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

GENEVA/TEHRAN, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- The third round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks under the mediation of Oman began in Geneva, Switzerland, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

The most recent round of the negotiations comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States in the wake of a U.S. military buildup in West Asia.

At around 9 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), the delegations of both sides arrived at the Omani ambassador's residence in the Swiss city for the talks. Security was tight around the site, with officers stationed along the perimeter.

Prior to the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, head of the Iranian delegation, met with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi on Wednesday evening, according to Iran's foreign ministry.

During the meeting, Iran's "views on nuclear-related issues and the lifting of sanctions were outlined, and the country's key points and considerations were conveyed to the Omani side," the foreign ministry said.

Araghchi stressed that "the success of the negotiations depends on the seriousness of the other side and its avoidance of contradictory behavior and positions."

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Araghchi said Iran is approaching the talks with a determination to achieve a "fair and equitable" deal in the shortest possible time.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated a preference for a diplomatic resolution while reiterating a red line.

"But one thing is certain -- I will never allow ... Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.

Thursday's meeting follows two rounds of indirect nuclear talks earlier this month, with the first in the Omani capital of Muscat on Feb. 6 and the second in Geneva on Feb. 17.

A police car is seen near the Omani ambassador's residence in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2026. The third round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks under the mediation of Oman began in Geneva, Switzerland, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Media reporters and security personnel wait near the Omani ambassador's residence in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2026. The third round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks under the mediation of Oman began in Geneva, Switzerland, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Media reporters wait near the Omani ambassador's residence in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2026. The third round of indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks under the mediation of Oman began in Geneva, Switzerland, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)