Daily Management Review

Washington and Tehran may discuss US access to Iran's rare earth minerals, oil, and gas


02/17/2026


At discussions held in Geneva on Tuesday, Tehran and Washington might explore, as part of a possible agreement, the idea of allowing the United States access to Iran's natural resources as an economic incentive to deter a potential US military attack, according to CNN.



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According to the channel's sources, business opportunities that might have been finalized alongside the nuclear agreement were discussed in multiple rounds of U.S.-Iranian discussions last year. These discussions included the idea of “granting the U.S. special access to help develop Iran's oil, gas, and rare earth resources.” 

One of CNN's sources mentioned that this topic is likely to be brought up again. 

The channel adds that the Iranian government might try to prevent a US attack by offering economic benefits, and the original tough positions taken by the parties during negotiations could potentially shift. 

Meanwhile, Gulf Arab nations are very worried that US military actions might cause instability in the region. 

According to the channel's sources, they are working to push for a postponement of military action in order to provide more time for diplomatic efforts. 

A diplomat from the region told CNN that everyone is opposed to a strike, highlighting that Israel is the only Middle Eastern country urging the US to take military action against Iran. 

CNN reports that, as the upcoming talks take place, the United States is still greatly increasing its air and naval capabilities in the Middle East.

source: cnn.com