Iran proposes energy and mining deals ahead of Geneva nuclear talks

Monday 16 February 2026 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Iran proposes energy and mining deals ahead of Geneva nuclear talks

Iran is seeking to secure a renewed nuclear agreement with the United States that would deliver tangible economic gains to both countries, an Iranian diplomat said on Sunday, days before a second round of negotiations scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva.

Hamid Ghanbari, deputy head of economic diplomacy at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said discussions include potential commercial opportunities in oil and gas fields, mining investments and even aircraft purchases. Speaking in remarks reported by the semi official Fars news agency and Reuters, Ghanbari argued that the 2015 nuclear accord with world powers failed to safeguard US economic interests. He said that for any future agreement to endure, Washington must also benefit from sectors capable of generating substantial and rapid economic returns.

Iran and the United States resumed talks earlier this month in Oman in an effort to address their long running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program and to avert the risk of military escalation. The second round of indirect negotiations is set to take place in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran on Sunday for the Swiss city to take part in the discussions, according to state media.

A US delegation that includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner is expected to meet Iranian officials on Tuesday morning, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. Speaking at a press conference in Bratislava, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump favors diplomacy and a negotiated settlement. He acknowledged that previous efforts to secure a successful agreement with Iran had failed but said Washington would attempt to reach a deal.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi signaled flexibility, telling the BBC that Tehran is prepared to consider compromises on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Referring to comments by the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, he said Iran could dilute its most highly enriched uranium if sanctions are lifted. He reiterated, however, that Tehran would not agree to halt uranium enrichment entirely, a key sticking point in past negotiations.

Takht Ravanchi said it is now up to the United States to demonstrate its willingness to finalize an agreement, describing the first round of talks in Oman as broadly constructive.

US officials told Reuters that Washington has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged military campaign should diplomacy fail.