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.

A new AP-NORC poll reveals that many American adults remain concerned about Iran's nuclear program as the U.S. and Iran resume nuclear talks in Geneva. The poll, conducted February 19-23, found that roughly half of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" concerned that Iran's nuclear program poses a direct threat to the United States. Despite this concern, the poll indicates that many Americans do not have high trust in President Donald Trump's judgment regarding the use of military force abroad. The U.S. seeks a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran maintains it isn't pursuing weapons. Trump, who previously withdrew from an earlier nuclear agreement, has threatened military action to constrain Iran's atomic program.

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.

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.

The United States is deploying a significant military force to the Middle East, including aircraft carriers and fighter jets, amid ongoing tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. President Trump has warned Iran to reach a deal regarding its nuclear ambitions, suggesting a possible 10-day timeframe for action. This military build-up is the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though ground troops are unlikely. The deployment provides President Trump with the option for a sustained military campaign against Iran, potentially in cooperation with Israel. The situation raises concerns about whether Iran can meet Trump's demands and whether the military presence will compel the US to take action.

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.

Satellite images from February 2026 reveal Iran is fortifying its Parchin military complex, located southeast of Tehran, with a concrete shield and soil covering. This development follows reports of an Israeli bombing at the site in October 2024. The images also show Iran burying tunnel entrances at a nuclear site bombed by the US during Israel's 12-day war with Iran last year, fortifying other tunnel entrances, and repairing missile bases damaged in the conflict. These actions occur amid heightened tensions with the US and a growing US military presence in the region. Poland's Prime Minister has urged Polish citizens to leave Iran due to the risk of escalation. The Parchin complex has been suspected of past nuclear weapons-related testing, allegations Iran denies.

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.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on February 20, 2026, that a diplomatic solution with the US is achievable regarding Iran's nuclear program, despite ongoing tensions. Speaking to US media, Araghchi criticized the US military build-up in the Middle East as "unnecessary and unhelpful," arguing it complicates reaching a fair agreement. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for peace and responds to respect, noting previous pressure tactics from the US have failed. These statements come amidst ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, described as positive by both sides, even as the US continues to deploy military assets to the region. President Trump acknowledged considering limited strikes against Iran, while Araghchi warned against such actions.

In February 2026, President Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are engaged in negotiations to resolve conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza. Witkoff and Kushner held talks in Geneva regarding the Iranian nuclear program and the war in Ukraine. They are scheduled to meet in Washington for the first meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace" to address the conflict in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Despite the envoys' efforts, concrete progress in resolving these complex situations remains limited. Talks with Iran, mediated by Oman, have yielded a vague agreement on "guiding principles," but details are unclear amidst a U.S. military buildup.

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.

On February 21, 2026, Iranian students resumed anti-government protests as universities reopened for the new semester. Demonstrations occurred at multiple universities, including Amirkabir University and Sharif University in Tehran, as well as universities in Mashhad and Shahid Beheshti. Students, some wearing black to mourn those killed in prior protests, chanted slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests follow a government crackdown on a previous nationwide movement that was fueled, in part, by student activism. Reports vary, but some sources indicate clashes between opposing groups and arrests by police.

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.