As the U.S. military amasses troops for combat, a new round of US-Iran negotiations has been "scheduled"

Recently, tensions in the Middle East have escalated, drawing attention to various developments surrounding Iran. The United States continues to amass troops around Iran, and with military strikes against Iran seemingly imminent, Oman’s Foreign Minister announced on February 22 that a new round of US-Iran negotiations is scheduled to take place on the 26th in Geneva, Switzerland, with all parties actively working toward an agreement. Will this critical confrontation possibly see a turning point?

Oman’s Foreign Minister Confirms New US-Iran Negotiations Set for the 26th

On the evening of the 22nd, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi posted on his social media that the next round of US-Iran talks will be held on the 26th in Geneva. Badr stated that all parties are making active efforts to reach a final agreement.

Later that evening, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian had a phone call with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi to discuss the latest developments in indirect negotiations between Iran and the US. During the call, they discussed arrangements for the next round of talks.

According to a statement from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on the 22nd, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian. During the call, both sides confirmed that the US-Iran negotiation process is ongoing, and mentioned that the next round of talks is scheduled for the 26th of this month, to be held in Geneva under Oman’s mediation.

Earlier, both Iran and the US expressed their positions on the new negotiations. On the 22nd, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian said in an interview that Iran is drafting the specific content and draft of the agreement, and “I may meet with US envoy Witterkoff in Geneva on the 26th.” He added, “An agreement with Washington is imminent,” and some aspects may be better than the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

A senior US official also revealed on the 22nd that if Iran submits a detailed nuclear agreement draft within the next 48 hours, US negotiators are prepared to hold a new round of talks with Iran on the 27th in Geneva.

US Military Encirclement

Is Middle East Conflict Still “Imminent”?

It is evident that the US has recently continued to strengthen its military deployment around Iran: another US aircraft carrier is about to be deployed, and US forces are frequently mobilizing at multiple bases. Notably, a large number of US military aircraft have appeared at an airbase in Jordan, which could become a key hub for US strikes against Iran.

Additionally, Germany, Sweden, and Slovakia have recently urged their citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and advised their nationals in Iran to leave as soon as possible. Analysts interpret this as a sign that Europe anticipates the situation may rapidly deteriorate.

Massive US Military Buildup and Show of Force

So, to what extent has the US military presence around Iran been deployed?

Military observer Wei Dongxu pointed out that the USS Ford aircraft carrier has already passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean, forming a containment posture against Iran alongside the previously deployed USS Lincoln. Satellite images also show that the US has deployed a large number of F-35 stealth fighters, F-15 fighters, helicopters, and drones at bases in Jordan. Regarding Iran, the US has recently assembled its largest force in the Middle East, showing readiness for large-scale operations.

Wei Dongxu further noted that, based on the current scale of US troop deployment and mobilization in the Middle East, it appears to be preparing for combat. If all the US combat forces currently gathered in the region participate in hostilities, the scale and intensity could surpass last year’s “Midnight Hammer” operation against Iran, potentially causing severe regional turmoil.

Iranian Political Analysts: US Negotiations as a “Trojan Horse” for Military Action

In response to US pressure and increased military deployment in the Middle East, Iranian political analyst Izadi pointed out that the US’s negotiation strategy is essentially aimed at garnering domestic support and paving the way for subsequent actions.

Izadi believes that the US is engaging in negotiations to secure support within the country, as US Congress members hold differing opinions on Iran. Therefore, President Trump could use the argument that “the US participated in negotiations but achieved no results” to rally enough support for military strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister: Cannot Determine US Intentions Toward Iran

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently expressed concern over the US policy direction regarding Iran.

Sources say that after meeting with Trump in Washington this month, Netanyahu told a US senior official that he “cannot determine” the US’s next move toward Iran and asked whether “President Trump still aligns with Israel’s stance.”

An IDF spokesperson, Duvdevani, stated on the 20th that the Israeli Defense Forces are on high alert and closely monitoring developments from all directions.

(Article source: CCTV News)