What does the U.S. want out of its negotiations with Iran?

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published February 16, 2026 at 12:06 PM EST

The U.S. military is reportedly preparing for the possibility of sustained military operations against Iran as negotiators meet over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Here & Now‘s Tiziana Dearing speaks with Jim Walsh from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s security studies program about why a military buildup continues to happen around Iran and what it would take for tensions to de-escalate.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Related Content

Two U.S. moms in their 40s rocketed to gold and bronze in Olympic bobsled showdown

Brian Mann

American sliders Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, and Kaillie Humphreys, 40, secure gold and bronze medals. Meyers-Taylor built on her record as the Black athlete with the most Winter Olympics medals.
The U.S. women's hockey team is dominating the Olympics. Now they will play for gold

Becky Sullivan

The Americans, whose captain Hilary Knight is leading a generation of thrilling young talent, are undefeated through six games at the Olympics — and they're outscoring their opponents 31 to 1.
A Curling Scandal Rocks Olympic Ice

Pien Huang

Allegations of cheating, and swearing, on the curling ice have rocked the wholesome sport after the Swedes accused the Canadians of "double touching" in a match on Friday. What happened then, and what's happened since?
The U.S. ready to make up, Europe ready to break up in Munich

Rob Schmitz

Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to reassure Europe at the Munich Security Conference, but European leaders are skeptical.
Actor Robert Duvall has died — he brought a compassionate center to edgy hard roles

Glen Weldon

Duvall appeared in over 90 films over the course of his career, imbuing stock Hollywood types — cowboys, cops, soldiers — with a nuanced sense of vulnerability.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.