M Firoz Al Mamun | Special Correspondent | February 23, 2026
US President Donald Trump has raised fresh questions about Iran’s intentions as Washington intensifies military deployments in the Middle East while nuclear negotiations continue through indirect channels.
According to remarks made by US special envoy Steve Witkoff during an interview with Fox News, President Trump is seeking clarity on why Tehran has not moved toward concessions despite growing US strategic pressure in the region.
Witkoff suggested that while the administration is not “frustrated,” it is closely assessing Iran’s willingness to translate diplomatic statements into concrete commitments. He indicated that Washington expects Iran to formally outline steps proving it does not intend to pursue nuclear weapons.
Military Pressure as Diplomatic Leverage
The United States has significantly expanded its naval and air presence near Iranian waters in recent weeks. Among the major deployments are the aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, along with supporting destroyers and fighter aircraft.
US officials describe the buildup as a deterrence measure designed to strengthen Washington’s position in ongoing nuclear diplomacy. While no immediate strike has been confirmed, the enhanced presence underscores the administration’s strategy of coupling negotiation with visible military readiness.
Indirect Talks Continue in Geneva
Diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran has been proceeding through indirect negotiations in Geneva, facilitated by Oman. Both sides characterized the 17 February session as constructive, though no formal agreement has yet been announced.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that Tehran is preparing a draft proposal aimed at resolving the dispute. He described the negotiations as potentially “win-win,” signaling that diplomatic space remains open despite heightened rhetoric.
Washington has refrained from detailing the substance of the talks but maintains that any agreement must address concerns over uranium enrichment levels and long-term monitoring mechanisms.
Domestic Pressure Inside Iran
The diplomatic tension unfolds alongside renewed unrest within Iran. Student demonstrations have emerged at several universities, including the Sharif University of Technology, marking one of the largest waves of campus mobilization since the government’s earlier crackdown.
Human rights organizations have reported high casualty figures from previous unrest, while Iranian authorities dispute those assessments and attribute many deaths to clashes involving security forces.
Strategic Calculations Ahead
Analysts view the current moment as a test of dual-track strategy — negotiation backed by deterrence. Washington appears to be signaling readiness for both diplomacy and escalation, while Tehran continues to insist that its nuclear program remains peaceful.
The coming rounds of talks in Geneva are expected to determine whether the standoff moves toward a structured agreement or slides into a deeper confrontation with regional implications.
For now, the situation reflects a delicate balance between pressure and dialogue — one that could reshape security dynamics across the Middle East in the weeks ahead.
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