Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Geneva on February 16, 2026, for technical discussions ahead of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington scheduled for February 17. The meeting focused on Iran's safeguards obligations and recent legislative measures impacting bilateral cooperation.
According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi presented Tehran's technical perspectives during the talks, emphasizing compliance with parliamentary legislation passed in June 2025 that suspended certain collaborative activities. Grossi later described the dialogue as "in-depth technical discussions" critical to preparing for this week's negotiations.
Araghchi, accompanied by Iranian nuclear experts, reiterated Tehran's commitment to a "fair and equitable deal" while rejecting "submission before threats." He also met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to coordinate regional diplomatic efforts.
The Geneva talks follow February 6 negotiations in Muscat, where U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff led Washington's delegation. Observers note these discussions mark the first sustained diplomatic engagement between the two nations since 2025, with outcomes potentially reshaping Middle East security dynamics and global energy markets.
