SG News Desk | International — As the second round of indirect Iran–US nuclear talks begins today in Geneva, tensions are peaking across the Middle East, with the US escalating its military posture and Iran declaring that Washington must decide whether diplomacy succeeds or fails.
The talks, mediated by Oman, follow a week of growing threats, military maneuvers, and diplomatic posturing from both sides.
‘Ball Is in America’s Court,’ Says Iran’s Deputy FM
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signaled conditional openness to compromise:
“The ball is in America’s court. They must prove they want a deal. If we see sincerity, we can reach an agreement.”
Tehran insists that sanctions relief must be part of any settlement.
US Warns of Military Action if Talks Fail
US President Donald Trump intensified pressure Monday night:
“I don’t think Iran wants the consequences of not making a deal.”
Trump previously threatened strikes over the regime’s deadly crackdown on protesters and has deployed warships, fighter jets, and B-2 bombers near Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated:
“The president always prefers peaceful outcomes, but we will not allow Iran to pursue nuclear weapons.”
I have arrived in Geneva. City of human rights. Also hosting these representatives of a regime that killed 40,000 of its own people only in recent uprising.
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 16, 2026
Abbas Araghchi. Kazem Gharibabadi.
They shoot protesters.They torture for confessions. They execute teenagers and then… pic.twitter.com/PZ08Nb5YOQ
Key LIVE Updates
🔥 1:05 PM — Trump Reiterates Warning
- Iran “doesn’t want the consequences” if talks collapse.
- US ready to respond militarily if needed.
⚠️ 12:56 PM — Iran MP Demands Germany’s Ambassador Be Expelled
- Calls follow large anti-regime rallies in Munich led by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
🚀 12:51 PM — Iran: Nuclear & Missile Programs ‘Non-Negotiable’
- Senior MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi says Iran will retaliate against US bases if attacked.
🛑 12:19 PM — Activist Masih Alinejad Condemns Talks
- Warns the West against “normalizing extremists in suits.”
🇺🇸 12:07 PM — US Ambassador to Israel Skeptical
- Mike Huckabee: doubts Iran will ever give up nuclear ambitions.
🤝 11:49 AM — Iran: ‘We’re Waiting for US Sincerity’
- Tehran open to agreement if sanctions are addressed.
💣 11:42 AM — IRGC Begins Drills in Strait of Hormuz
- Live-fire drills reportedly imminent in world’s most critical oil chokepoint.
🕊️ 11:11 AM — Rubio: US Prefers Peaceful Outcome
- Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff heading to Geneva.
Joined by nuclear experts, I will meet @rafaelmgrossi on Mon for deep technical discussion. Also meeting @badralbusaidi ahead of diplomacy with U.S. on Tues.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 16, 2026
I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal.
What is not on the table: submission before threats
🔬 10:47 AM — Iran FM Araghchi Meets IAEA Chief
- Technical discussions ahead of Geneva session.
- Says: “Submission to threats is not on the table.”
⚠️ 10:25 AM — Trump: ‘Be Reasonable’
- Recalls June 2025 US B-2 bomber strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
🇩🇪 9:55 AM — Pahlavi Rallies in Munich
- Exiled Crown Prince gains support as anti-regime protests continue.
🇨🇭 9:29 AM — Talks Begin in Geneva
- Mediated by Oman; follows Muscat round.
✈️ 9:17 AM — US Military Buildup Expands
- US Air Force assets moved closer to Middle East.
- Fighter jets cleared to enter Jordanian airspace.
Why Tensions Are Rising
- Iran’s ongoing crackdown on nationwide anti-regime protests has drawn global outrage.
- Over 30,000 protesters were reportedly killed during the unrest.
- US intelligence says Iran could rebuild nuclear capacity rapidly.
- Washington seeks a renewed nuclear framework; Iran demands sanctions relief and guarantees.
The Middle East remains extremely volatile as Geneva talks begin.