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Iran FM drafting negotiation framework with US amid tension

Iran FM drafting negotiation framework with US amid tension
MENA
14 min read
18 February, 2026
The drills come after the Iranian navy held drills in the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tension with the US.

Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran was "drafting" a framework for future talks with Washington, during a phone call with the UN nuclear watchdog.

In the call with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, Araghchi "stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran's focus on drafting an initial and coherent framework to advance future talks", according to a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry.

The statement comes following a second round of talks with the US in Geneva on Monday. US-Iran talks in Geneva reached an understanding on "guiding principles", with Oman saying there was "good progress".

US Vice President JD Vance, however, described the talks as mixed, saying "in some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards," adding Iran was still refusing to acknowledge some of US President Donald Trump's red lines.

Trump is seeking to get Iran to give up its nuclear programme, which Iran maintains is peaceful, with the administration also pushing for concessions on support for regional proxies and on its ballistic missile programme.

Amid the tension, the Iranian and Russian navies are set to conduct drills in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, according to Fars news agency, following a second 

The drills, which an Iranian naval commander said are set to practice "counter[ing] activities threatening maritime security and safety", come after Iran's navy held exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, following increased tension with the US, which has sent a second aircraft carrier to the region.