U.S., Iran Set for Third Round of Nuclear Talks as Military Buildup Intensifies

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, marking the third round of indirect talks this month as tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.

A U.S. official confirmed to Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that Washington is prepared to move into more detailed negotiations if Tehran submits a draft proposal. According to earlier reporting, the Trump administration expects to receive a written Iranian proposal by Tuesday outlining potential terms for a renewed nuclear agreement.

“If Iran gives a draft proposal, the U.S. is ready to meet in Geneva in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal,” a senior U.S. official said, adding that both sides may also explore the possibility of an interim agreement before reaching a comprehensive accord.

Draft Proposal Under Review

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS’s Face the Nation that he will “probably” meet Thursday in Geneva with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Araghchi said Tehran is finalizing a draft proposal but acknowledged it has not yet been approved by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“We are working on something which consists of elements that can accommodate both sides’ concerns and interests,” Araghchi said, expressing optimism that a “fast deal” remains possible.

U.S. envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly advised Donald Trump to allow diplomacy to proceed before ordering any military action. However, they conveyed that Trump’s core position remains zero uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, though Washington may consider limited enrichment if Tehran can demonstrate that all pathways to a nuclear weapon are permanently blocked.

American officials describe the current diplomatic push as likely the final opportunity before potential military action.

Massive U.S. Military Buildup

The negotiations come amid one of the largest U.S. military deployments to the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion. The Pentagon has positioned two aircraft carrier strike groups, multiple warships, advanced F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, command-and-control aircraft, and reinforced air defense systems across the Arabian Sea and eastern Mediterranean.

U.S. officials say President Trump has not yet made a final decision on military action but has acknowledged he is considering a limited strike to pressure Tehran into compliance.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran strategy. Israeli officials reportedly believe Washington and Tehran remain at an impasse and are preparing contingency plans for possible joint military action.

Threats of Retaliation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Sunday that Tehran remains “committed to peace and stability,” while warning that Iran has made “all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.”

Western intelligence agencies are monitoring heightened communications suggesting Iran could activate proxy groups — including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah networks — if large-scale strikes occur. Oil-producing Gulf states are also preparing for a possible escalation that could destabilize the region and disrupt global energy markets.

Araghchi claimed during his CBS interview that Israeli defenses failed during last June’s 12-day conflict and warned that Iranian missiles “can hit their targets in a very exact way.” The Israel Defense Forces have said 86% of Iranian ballistic missiles and 99% of drones were intercepted during that conflict.

Pressure From Both Sides

Sen. Lindsey Graham urged President Trump to proceed with military strikes if Iran refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions, arguing that failure to act would allow “evil” to go unchecked.

Trump has also referenced the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on nationwide protests, asserting that 32,000 people were killed in a short period — figures disputed by human rights monitors but reflecting ongoing concerns about internal repression.

Meanwhile, conservative commentator Mark Levin, whose remarks Trump shared publicly, warned that no agreement can alter “the mindset of a terrorist regime,” arguing that regime change may ultimately be the only lasting solution.

Red Lines Remain

Two previous rounds of talks stalled over core disputes, including uranium enrichment levels, missile restrictions, sanctions relief, and regional proxy activity.

Former U.S. diplomat Alan Eyre said both sides remain entrenched.

“Both sides are sticking to their guns,” he said. “If he attacks, it’s going to get ugly quickly.”

With U.S. forces continuing to arrive and Iranian officials preparing their counterproposal, diplomats across the region increasingly view conflict as more likely than compromise — unless one side backs away from its red lines in the coming days.

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