Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed cautious optimism regarding upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States, citing “encouraging signals” from recent diplomatic exchanges. Speaking ahead of the third round of indirect talks scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Geneva, Pezeshkian noted that while the two nations have exchanged practical proposals, Tehran remains fully prepared for “any potential scenario.” This diplomatic push comes at a critical time, as the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East and President Donald Trump has issued a 10-to-15-day ultimatum for a deal to be reached. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is expected to meet U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, indicated that a draft proposal for a “win-win” solution is being finalized. Tehran is seeking a deal that recognizes its right to peaceful uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions, even suggesting that a new agreement could be “better than the 2015 JCPOA.” However, despite the positive rhetoric from Iranian officials, the threat of military action looms large, and domestic pressure is mounting within Iran as student-led protests continue to flare up in major cities. With regional mediator Oman facilitating the dialogue, Thursday’s high-stakes meeting is seen as a final window to prevent a full-scale military escalation and find a sustainable diplomatic path forward.
Imphal