Yet another mid-talks attack jeopardises chances of Iran taking Trump seriously

A recent joint US-Israeli attack on Iran during ongoing negotiations has jeopardized the possibility of a deal between Iran and the US. This attack, similar to one last year, raises doubts about the US's commitment to diplomacy with Iran. Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, attempted to salvage the talks by meeting with the US Vice President, JD Vance, and revealing details of a potential agreement, including Iran's agreement to limit uranium enrichment and allow verification access. While a preliminary agreement was within reach, the attack undermines trust and makes future negotiations challenging, particularly given Iran's perspective that diplomacy with the US is ineffective. The potential deal did not address human rights, Iran's ballistic missile program, or its support for proxy forces.

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, according to Oman's foreign minister. This follows a previous round of talks held in Geneva last week, facilitated by Oman. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected and that a diplomatic solution regarding the nuclear issue remains possible. Araghchi stated that Iran is working on a draft proposal and maintains its right to enrich uranium. The Trump administration has been pushing for concessions from Iran and has increased the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

The US and Iran concluded indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, aimed at reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and preventing potential conflict. While the US seeks to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions, Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium and refuses to discuss other issues like missile development. Oman's foreign minister indicated "significant progress" and announced technical-level talks will resume in Vienna next week. The talks occur amidst rising tensions, with the US increasing its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has warned that US bases and Israel would be targeted if attacked, raising the specter of a regional war. Both sides acknowledge the devastating consequences of a potential conflict.

Amid escalating tensions and the threat of a potential US strike on Iran, the US State Department has urged American citizens to leave Israel immediately while commercial flights are available. Non-essential government personnel and their families have been authorized to depart. The warning follows inconclusive talks between the US and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Oman's foreign minister is in Washington to persuade the Trump administration to avoid military intervention, arguing that progress has been made in negotiations. The US Ambassador to Israel has urged embassy staff to book flights out of the country as quickly as possible, fearing high demand.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated he doesn't believe potential military action against Iran would lead to a prolonged Middle Eastern war, according to a Washington Post interview. Vance acknowledged President Trump's options range from military strikes to diplomacy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. His comments come as the US and Iran held a third round of indirect talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, to address Iran's nuclear program. The US aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran seeks relief from economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. No breakthrough was reported during the talks, but further discussions are planned for next week.

Amidst ongoing nuclear talks between the US and Iran, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on February 23, 2026, that while Tehran seeks a diplomatic resolution, it will defend itself against any US aggression. This statement followed President Trump's consideration of a limited strike if a nuclear deal isn't reached. Iran considers any US attack, even limited, an act of aggression warranting a response. Despite the tensions, Iranian President Pezeshkian noted "encouraging signals" from the talks. Indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, are scheduled to continue in Geneva on Thursday, though US confirmation is pending. The talks occur against the backdrop of a significant US military build-up in the region.

Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, facilitated by Oman. The talks aim to find a diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Despite both sides expressing a preference for diplomacy, tensions remain high. The US Vice President accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program and reiterated that all options are on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting individuals, entities, and vessels allegedly involved in financing Iran's oil sales, ballistic missile program, and weapons production. Iran maintains it is not seeking nuclear weapons and will not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology.

US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, amid rising tensions and a US military build-up in the Middle East. The discussions are a last-ditch effort to prevent conflict as President Trump threatens potential military action if a nuclear deal isn't reached. The US demands Iran halt uranium enrichment, while Iran has hinted at possible concessions regarding its nuclear program. The Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the US will be represented by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks occur against a backdrop of increased US military presence in the region and long-standing accusations that Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Iran would not yield to US pressure regarding its nuclear program. His statement followed threats from US President Donald Trump, who is considering military strikes to force a deal, and the increasing US military presence in the region. Indirect talks between Iran and the US resumed in Oman and Switzerland this month, but failed to achieve a breakthrough despite positive descriptions from both sides. While Iran aims to finalize a draft deal soon, residents in Tehran are concerned about the possibility of war, fearing further economic hardship and uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump is considering a limited military strike on Iran amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program. This follows a naval build-up in the Middle East, intended to pressure Iran into a deal to limit its nuclear ambitions. Trump previously issued a deadline for Tehran to agree to a deal, which he later extended. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister stated that a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready within days, following negotiations in Geneva. The draft would then be submitted to Trump's Middle East negotiator for review.

An Iranian official stated that Iran is open to a nuclear deal with the U.S. if the U.S. demonstrates a willingness to lift sanctions. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the ball is in the U.S.'s court to prove their sincerity. These comments came as Iranian diplomats traveled to Geneva for a second round of indirect talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman. Iran has offered to dilute its uranium stockpile as a sign of compromise, but insists talks focus on the nuclear issue and that zero enrichment is off the table. The U.S. has emphasized that Iran is holding up progress in negotiations. Past diplomatic efforts collapsed in 2025 after military conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the U.S., mediated by Oman. The talks follow a previous round in Oman and stalled negotiations last year after a war that included U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. The U.S. insists Iran cannot enrich uranium, while Iran maintains its program is peaceful but has threatened to pursue nuclear weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Washington's interest in a diplomatic solution, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also traveling for the talks. The U.S. is also deploying military assets to the Middle East, described as a protective measure. Araghchi is expected to meet with Swiss, Omani, and IAEA counterparts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any nuclear deal with Iran must require them to relinquish all enriched uranium and prohibit future enrichment. His comments precede a second round of talks between Iranian and US officials in Switzerland. Iran has signaled a willingness to compromise if the US discusses lifting sanctions, though they consider zero enrichment a violation of their rights. The US has increased military presence in the Middle East and expressed a preference for a negotiated settlement. Ahead of the talks, Iran offered to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium, while maintaining that discussions about their nuclear program are contingent on sanctions relief.

Iran fired live missiles towards the Strait of Hormuz while its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that a US warship deployed in the Gulf could be sunk. The warning came as nuclear talks between the two countries began on Tuesday in Geneva. Iran announced a maritime military exercise on Monday, which involved firing missiles into the Strait of Hormuz. The talks are the second round of negotiations about Iran's nuclear programme and will focus only on this issue, excluding domestic policies. The US warship is part of Washington's increased military presence in the Middle East. Iranian state TV reported that the negotiations would be indirect and limited to discussions on Iran's nuclear programme.

Amidst ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, President Trump stated on Friday that he is considering limited military strikes against Iran. This comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that a proposed deal could be ready within days. Araghchi stated that serious negotiations on the text could begin within a week, potentially leading to a conclusion. Tensions between the two countries have increased as the Trump administration seeks concessions from Iran and has expanded its military presence in the Middle East. Both countries have expressed readiness for war if diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program fail.

On Monday, February 16, 2026, Iran conducted live military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments. The drills, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, were framed as a response to potential security threats. This action occurred a day before scheduled nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva. The exercises are viewed by analysts as a show of force amid rising tensions, as President Trump has threatened military action and expressed support for regime change if a nuclear deal is not reached. The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the Middle East, including deploying an aircraft carrier and warships.

Ahead of nuclear talks in Geneva, the article profiles Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, highlighting their contrasting backgrounds and negotiation styles. Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat with a PhD and a book on negotiation, is portrayed as patient and strategic, reflecting Iran's "market style" of bargaining. Witkoff, a property developer, is seen as operating under a more volatile approach dictated by President Trump. The article suggests that successful negotiations require both sides to make concessions and understand each other's approaches, particularly Iran's emphasis on persistence and repeated demands. Araghchi's book emphasizes national cohesion and military strength as key factors in successful negotiation.

Iranian students staged large anti-government protests at several universities across the country on Saturday, marking the first rallies of this scale since a deadly crackdown last month. Demonstrations occurred at Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, and Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran, as well as in Mashhad. Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, including "death to the dictator," referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Scuffles broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters at Sharif University. The protests follow previous demonstrations sparked by economic grievances and coincide with ongoing international discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

The United States and Iran will hold a second round of talks in Geneva this week regarding Tehran's nuclear program, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry. Oman will host the talks, following the first round of indirect discussions held there on February 6th. These talks follow warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that failure to reach an agreement would be "very traumatic." Similar talks broke down last year amidst escalating tensions, including military actions. Trump has repeatedly threatened military force to compel Iran to constrain its nuclear program, while Iran has vowed to retaliate against any attack.

In February 2026, US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Following the meeting, Trump stated that "nothing definitive" was reached, but he insisted that negotiations with Iran would continue. This was Trump's sixth time hosting Netanyahu in the US since the start of his second term. The meeting occurred shortly after indirect talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman, aimed at de-escalating potential military conflict. While Netanyahu has advocated for further military action against Iran, Trump expressed hope for a deal but also alluded to potential military action if negotiations fail, referencing previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Following indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman, a top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, traveled to Oman. Larijani, secretary to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Omani officials, including Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, to likely discuss the next steps after the initial talks. Iranian media reported Larijani was delivering an important message, but later stated Oman handed him a letter without specifying its origin. Larijani also criticized Israel's "destructive role" in the talks ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, D.C. Both U.S. and Iranian officials have described the initial talks as positive and suggested further discussions will occur. Larijani was also scheduled to travel to Qatar.

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani accused Israel of attempting to sabotage nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. Larijani made the accusation during a visit to Doha, Qatar, on February 12, 2026, stating that Israel aims to destabilize the region and provoke war. He claimed Israel's actions, including a past attack on Qatar, are intended to undermine the talks, which are at a sensitive stage. Larijani emphasized that Iran is only negotiating with the U.S., while Israel is trying to insert itself into the process. The accusation comes as Iran and the U.S. engage in indirect negotiations in Oman, and as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with U.S. President Trump to discuss principles related to Iran.

Activists report that at least 7,000 people have died in Iran due to the government's crackdown on nationwide protests. The protests coincide with the 47th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian theocracy faces pressure from both internal dissent and external forces, including the U.S., as President Trump has suggested sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Amidst the unrest, Iran's president has apologized for the crackdown, acknowledging the "great sorrow" it caused. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway, with U.S. officials meeting with Omani and Israeli counterparts to discuss negotiations with Iran.