Iran launches military drill as US deploys aircraft carrier on eve of nuclear talks

abc.net.au · Feb 17, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Iran has held naval drills ahead of high-stakes talks over the nation's nuclear program, as the US deployed an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.Representatives from the two nations are set to meet in Geneva on Tuesday, local time, as US President Donald Trump tries to curb Tehran's nuclear program.Mr Trump said he would be "indirectly" involved in the high-stakes talks, adding he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal."I'll be involved in those talks, indirectly. And they'll be very important," Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One. (Reuters: Elizabeth Frantz)When asked about the prospects for a deal, Mr Trump said Iran has long sought a tough posture in negotiations but learned the consequences of that approach last summer when the ‌US bombed Iranian nuclear sites."I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Mr Trump ⁠said.The US ordered its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and escort ships to the Middle East late last week.It joins the USS Abraham Lincoln, which Mr Trump deployed last month during Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.The US military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, US officials have told Reuters.The US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln leads its strike team in the Arabian Sea. (US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Monford via Reuters)Negotiations to resumeMediated by Oman, Tuesday's talks in Geneva are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington's "more realistic" position on its nuclear programme.US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.Previous discussions collapsed when Israel launched strikes on Iran in June, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined.Indirect talks were held on February 6 in Oman, with SUVs flying the American flag entering the palace venue only after it appeared the Iranian officials had left. Negotiations continued to stall over Washington's ‌demand that Tehran forgo ⁠enrichment on its soil, which the US views as a pathway to an Iranian nuclear weapon.Tehran said it is only willing to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief and won't accept zero uranium enrichment.Iran launches military drillMeanwhile, Iran announced its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a naval drill early on Monday morning, local time.The operation is being conducted in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states.The war games aim to prepare for "potential security and military threats" in the strait, Iranian state TV said.This is the second time in recent weeks that US sailors have received a warning about an Iranian live fire drill.Iran announced the naval drill early Monday morning, on Iranian state TV. (West Asia News Agency vis Reuters )During a previous exercise in January, the US military's central command issued a strongly worded warning to Iran and the Revolutionary Guard.While acknowledging Iran's "right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters," it warned against interfering with or threatening American warships or passing commercial vessels.Tensions rose further on February 4 after a US Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.During a previous exercise in January, the US military issued a strongly worded warning to Iran. (West Asia News Agency vis Reuters )Iran meets with UN nuclear watchdogIran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, touched down in Geneva on Monday, local time, where he will meet the UN nuclear watchdog, ahead of meeting with the United States."I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats," Mr Araqchi said on X.Iran's Abbas Araqchi meets with atomic energy chief Rafael Grossi in Geneva. (West Asia News Agency vis Reuters )The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been calling on Iran to explain what happened to its stockpile of 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium following the Israeli-US strikes.The UN's watchdog would like inspections on the three key sites, Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, to fully resume.Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signalled Iran's readiness to compromise on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, telling the BBC on Sunday that the ball was "in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal."Iran says its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes and is ready to assuage concerns regarding nuclear weapons by "building trust that enrichment is and will stay for peaceful purposes."