US-Iran Nuclear Talks Continue Amid Red Lines and Military Drills

The ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran involve repeated rounds of indirect talks and firm positions from both sides, with recent developments highlighting continued diplomatic and military activity.

Since April 2025, the United States and Iran have participated in several rounds of indirect negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program. These discussions have been mediated by Oman, Rome, and Geneva, reflecting a sustained diplomatic process rather than a single event.

In the most recent round held in Geneva, Oman served as the mediator. According to Iranian officials, this session resulted in an agreement on general guiding principles for the ongoing talks. The process remains indirect, with both sides maintaining their established negotiation formats.

During the Geneva negotiations, Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz on February 17, 2026, to conduct live-fire military exercises. This action coincided with the talks and involved a brief halt to maritime traffic through a key international waterway.

What the numbers show

• Negotiations have taken place since April 12, 2025
• The latest round in Geneva occurred in February 2026
• The Strait of Hormuz was closed for drills on February 17, 2026

Red lines have been publicly stated by both governments during the negotiation process. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the country’s ballistic missile program will not be included in the talks, identifying it as a non-negotiable issue. This position has been repeated in official statements.

On the US side, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has stated that any uranium enrichment by Iran is considered a red line for the United States. This stance has been communicated as a key condition in the ongoing discussions, according to official statements.

The negotiations have continued despite these clear boundaries. Both countries have reiterated their positions through official channels, with mediators facilitating dialogue to seek areas of potential agreement on broader principles.

Military activities, such as Iran’s live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, have taken place alongside the diplomatic process. These actions have coincided with negotiation rounds but have not resulted in a breakdown of talks, according to available records.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.