US, Iran hold nuclear talks

GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters): Iran's supreme leader warned on Tuesday that US attempts to depose his government would fail, as Washington and Tehran began indirect talks in Geneva on their long-running nuclear dispute amid a US military buildup in the Middle East. Just a few hours after the negotiations began, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that parts of the strategic Strait of Hormuz will close for a few hours due to "security precautions" while Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards conduct military drills in the world's most vital oil export route.

Tehran has in the past threatened to shut down the strait to commercial shipping if it is attacked, a move that would choke off a fifth of global oil flows and drive up crude prices.

The US, which joined Israel in bombing Iran's nuclear facilities in June, has deployed a battle force to the region and US President Donald Trump has said "regime change" in Iran may be the best thing that can happen. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are taking part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.