Geneva Summit: Iran Offers Nuclear “Dilution” as Second Round Begins

A senior Iranian official confirmed to Fars News and international media on Sunday that the second round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran late Sunday evening, leading a high-level “diplomatic and technical delegation” to the Swiss capital for the high-stakes encounter.
The “Dilution” Offer
In a significant signal of flexibility ahead of the talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Iran is prepared to dilute its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium back to lower levels as a gesture of sincerity. This move targets the “red line” of the Trump administration, which has viewed Iran’s 400kg stockpile of near-weapons-grade material as an immediate threat.
“The ball is in America’s court to prove they want to do a deal,” Takht-Ravanchi said. He emphasized that while Iran is willing to compromise on enrichment levels, it remains steadfast on two “non-negotiables”:
* No Zero Enrichment: Tehran will not accept a total ban on uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
* Defensive Capabilities: Iran’s ballistic missile program will not be part of the nuclear file.
Economic Returns and Aircraft Purchases
Hamid Ghanbari, a member of the negotiating team focusing on economic diplomacy, told Fars News that the Geneva round would explore “rapid economic return” potential for both nations. Ghanbari revealed that the discussions include joint investments in oil, gas, and mining, as well as the potential for Iran to purchase U.S.-made commercial aircraft.
“For the agreement to be viable, it is essential that the United States also be able to benefit from it,” Ghanbari stated, suggesting that the Trump administration’s business-centric approach is being factored into Tehran’s strategy.
The Oman-Swiss Mediation
While the talks are physically moving to Geneva, the Sultanate of Oman remains the primary mediator. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi is expected to shuttle messages between Araghchi and the U.S. delegation, which will once again be led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. Araghchi is also scheduled to meet with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on the sidelines to discuss the resumption of full international inspections.
Strategic Context
The Geneva summit takes place against a backdrop of immense military pressure. With the USS Gerald R. Ford now racing to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, and President Trump’s recent “Midnight Hammer” warning still fresh, the Iranian delegation is under no illusions regarding the cost of failure. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted from Bratislava on Sunday, while the U.S. “prefers diplomacy,” it remains “militarily postured” for a much darker alternative should the Tuesday session end in another deadlock.