24 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsNEWS

US-Iran talks show progress amid tensions, red lines remain

Iran and US engage in talks, signaling potential de-escalation amidst regional tensions.

Amid ongoing tensions, talks between Iran and the U.S. are set to resume in Geneva on February 26, according to Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, who is mediating the discussions. India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Iran, urging them to leave the country using commercial flights. An anonymous text message was sent to Iranians stating, “The US president is a man of action. Wait and see.”

President Trump has given Iran a 10-15 day ultimatum to agree to a nuclear deal, warning of consequences if they fail. He is reportedly considering a limited strike on Iran. The U.S. military presence in the Middle East includes 13 warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, nine destroyers, and three frigates. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Tehran expects to prepare a draft counterproposal within days following this week’s nuclear talks with the United States.

Iran has stated that any U.S. attack, even a limited one, would be considered an act of aggression and would be met with a fierce response in self-defense. Fresh anti-government protests, primarily in Tehran and Mashhad, have emerged in Iranian universities against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. has moved advanced F-35 and F-22 jet fighters toward the Middle East and stationed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iranian waters in January.

This situation is relevant for India due to its strategic interests in the region and its energy security concerns. The ongoing tensions and potential conflict could impact oil prices and regional stability, affecting India's economy and foreign policy. This is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Economy).

Key Facts

Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed optimism about talks with the U.S.

U.S. envoy Steve Witko stated President Trump's red lines regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Oman's Foreign Minister announced a third round of talks in Geneva.

Trump's red lines include zero uranium enrichment and the return of nuclear material.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II (International Relations): Bilateral relations, effect of policies of developed countries on India's interests

GS Paper III (Economy): Impact of international events on the Indian economy, energy security

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the implications of the U.S.-Iran conflict for India, the role of international organizations in nuclear non-proliferation, and the effectiveness of sanctions as a foreign policy tool.

In Simple Words

The U.S. and Iran are talking about Iran's nuclear plans. The U.S. wants to make sure Iran doesn't build nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. They are trying to find a solution through talks.

India Angle

If Iran develops nuclear weapons, it could destabilize the Middle East, impacting India's energy security and trade routes. Many Indians work in the Gulf region, and instability there could affect their jobs and remittances.

For Instance

Imagine two neighbors arguing over a fence. One neighbor wants a tall fence, the other wants a short one. They talk and try to find a height that works for both. These U.S.-Iran talks are similar – trying to find a middle ground on nuclear issues.

This matters because it affects global peace and security. War between the U.S. and Iran could have huge consequences for everyone, including higher oil prices and economic disruption.

U.S.-Iran talks: High stakes, global impact.

Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed optimism about talks with the U.S., mentioning the exchange of practical proposals. U.S. envoy Steve Witko stated President Trump's red lines regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Oman's Foreign Minister announced a third round of talks in Geneva. Witko mentioned Trump's curiosity about Iran not capitulating under American pressure, despite military presence. Trump's red lines include zero uranium enrichment and the return of nuclear material.

Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, enriching uranium up to 60%, nearing bomb-making capability. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi sees a good chance for a diplomatic solution if the U.S. desires it.

Expert Analysis

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the attempts to revive nuclear talks, highlight several key concepts in international relations and nuclear policy. The potential for military action and the diplomatic efforts to avert it underscore the importance of understanding these concepts.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—plus Germany) and the European Union. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump led to the reimposition of sanctions and escalating tensions, ultimately leading to the current situation where Iran is enriching uranium at levels close to weapons-grade.

The concept of nuclear proliferation is central to understanding the concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons, fissile material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology and information to nations not recognized as "Nuclear Weapon States" by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT, which came into force in 1970, aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. The fear is that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, it could trigger a regional arms race, further destabilizing the Middle East.

Sanctions are a key tool used by the U.S. and other countries to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear program. These economic penalties restrict Iran's access to international markets, limit its oil exports, and freeze assets. The effectiveness of sanctions is debated, with some arguing that they have forced Iran to the negotiating table, while others contend that they have primarily harmed the Iranian people and fueled resentment. The current talks in Geneva are partly aimed at finding a way to lift sanctions in exchange for verifiable limits on Iran's nuclear activities.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the JCPOA, nuclear proliferation, and the role of sanctions is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Questions may focus on the history of the Iran nuclear deal, the implications of its collapse, and the impact of sanctions on Iran's economy and regional behavior. Additionally, the ethical and strategic considerations surrounding nuclear proliferation are important topics for essay questions and analytical discussions in the Mains exam.

Visual Insights

Key Locations in US-Iran Nuclear Talks

This map highlights the locations involved in the US-Iran nuclear talks and related tensions.

Loading interactive map...

📍Iran📍United States📍Oman📍Geneva📍Middle East

More Information

Background

The current tensions between the U.S. and Iran are rooted in a complex history, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. The JCPOA, signed in 2015, was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under President Trump led to the reimposition of sanctions and a gradual escalation of tensions. Key events leading to the present situation include Iran's increasing enrichment of uranium beyond the limits set by the JCPOA, attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf (which the U.S. blamed on Iran), and retaliatory strikes between the U.S. and Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria. These events have created a volatile environment, with both sides engaging in brinkmanship while also signaling a willingness to negotiate. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) forms the legal and normative basis for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Iran is a signatory to the NPT, but its compliance with the treaty has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities and verifying its adherence to the NPT.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been several attempts to revive the JCPOA, particularly after President Biden took office in 2021. However, these efforts have stalled due to disagreements over sanctions relief and verification mechanisms. Iran has demanded a full lifting of sanctions before returning to compliance with the deal, while the U.S. has insisted on a step-by-step approach. The current U.S. policy towards Iran involves a combination of diplomacy and pressure. While seeking to revive the JCPOA, the U.S. has also maintained sanctions and increased its military presence in the Middle East to deter Iranian aggression. The U.S. has also worked with regional partners, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, to counter Iran's influence. Looking ahead, the future of U.S.-Iran relations remains uncertain. The outcome of the upcoming talks in Geneva will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic solution is possible. If the talks fail, there is a risk of further escalation, potentially leading to military conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s board is scheduled to convene in 10 days, on March 2, for...

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): 1. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) plus Germany and the European Union. 2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to completely halt its uranium enrichment program in exchange for the lifting of all economic sanctions. 3. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump, leading to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The JCPOA was indeed signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries, Germany, and the EU. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Iran agreed to limit, not completely halt, its uranium enrichment program. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The U.S. withdrew in 2018 under President Trump, reimposing sanctions.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the principle of 'nuclear proliferation'?

A.The reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles by nuclear weapon states.
B.The prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons, fissile material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology to non-nuclear weapon states.
C.The use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, such as electricity generation.
D.The development of new and more advanced nuclear weapons by existing nuclear weapon states.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons, fissile material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology to states that do not already possess them. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent this.

3. Assertion (A): The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Iran due to concerns about its nuclear program. Reason (R): Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true, but R is false.
D.A is false, but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Both A and R are true. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program. Iran is indeed a signatory to the NPT and claims its program is peaceful. However, R is not the correct explanation of A because the U.S. sanctions are based on suspicions that Iran's program may not be exclusively peaceful.