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Talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva on February 26 ended without an agreement, with both sides still far apart on key issues, The Wall Street Journal reports.
During the negotiations, envoys of Donald Trump — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — said Iran must dismantle three of its main nuclear facilities located in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Washington also demanded that Tehran hand over its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States.
According to the report, the U.S. side also insisted that any future nuclear agreement must be permanent, rather than time-limited as was the case with the deal reached during the administration of Barack Obama. Trump withdrew from that accord — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — during his first term and reimposed strict sanctions on Iran.
Iran, however, rejected the proposal to move its uranium stockpile abroad. Tehran also opposes halting uranium enrichment, dismantling its nuclear facilities, or accepting permanent restrictions on its nuclear program.
At the same time, the foreign minister of Oman and a U.S. representative said some progress had been made and that further talks are likely. Technical-level discussions are expected to continue in Vienna next week.
The U.S. demands came shortly after Trump warned in an address to Congress that Iran continues developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. According to public statements by American officials, Trump has also threatened military action if no deal is reached, while Washington continues deploying forces in the region as part of preparations for a potential strike.
Earlier, Axios reported that Witkoff had privately outlined Washington’s vision for a deal, saying it should permanently limit Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Tehran is open to certain concessions but demands sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium. The agency also noted that the U.S. is considering multiple options — from targeted strikes to a broader strategy aimed at regime change in Iran.
