INTERNATIONAL — February 18, 2026

US Says Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing End as Diplomacy Narrows

U.S. officials indicate that negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program are nearing collapse, with Vice President JD Vance stating that all options remain open if diplomacy fails. Israeli sources suggest the White House views further progress as difficult, potentially paving the way for military considerations.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press2 min read

US Says Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing End as Diplomacy Narrows
Image courtesy Khaama Press

Officials say talks on Iran’s nuclear program are nearing collapse, raising fears of escalation as diplomacy stalls and military options resurface regionally.

Channel 12 reported, citing an Israeli source, that the White House warned negotiations with Tehran are nearing their limits, making further diplomatic progress increasingly difficult.

Israeli officials believe U.S. President Donald Trump and his close advisers may ultimately favor military action but want diplomacy exhausted first to legitimize any potential strike.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that Tehran still refuses to accept Washington’s red lines, though the United States prefers a diplomatic outcome. Vance stressed that Washington seeks a peaceful solution but will keep all options open to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons if negotiations fail.

Tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions have shaped regional security debates for years, with repeated negotiation rounds attempting to curb nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief.

Reports indicated that rising mistrust and shrinking diplomatic space could increase risks of confrontation involving Israel, the United States and regional actors if talks collapse entirely.

Read the original reporting at Khaama Press

Reliability assessment

Single source with direct, on-record attributions: named U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Fox News, Channel 12 citing Israeli source, and references to Israeli officials and Trump advisers. Concrete details (specific interviews, officials) without unverified ground events or volatility.

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InternationalIran nuclear program, US-Iran talks, Israel, JD Vance, Donald Trump

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