Iran-US nuclear talks may fail due to both nations’ red lines – but that doesn’t make them futile

The US administration may sense that Iran is weak and ready to do a deal. But negotiations could be undone by intransigent red lines.

By: Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, University of Toronto; USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 17, 2026

Words: 1,512

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, University of Toronto; USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

The latest rounds of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are going well enough for now, according to the steady drip of public statements from the main parties involved.

“I think they want to make a deal,” said U.S. President Donald Trump on the eve of the latest round of discussions held in Geneva on Feb. 17, 2026. Iran’s …

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