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Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks on Friday in Oman, Iran’s foreign minister said, as tensions remain high following Tehran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks on Wednesday after earlier uncertainty over their format and scope. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, issued a blunt warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he “should be very worried.” Diplomatic efforts initially explored holding broader talks in Turkey, with regional countries involved and issues such as Iran’s missile program on the agenda. However, Iran later pushed for a narrower meeting focused only on its nuclear program, limited to direct involvement by Tehran and Washington. Oman, which has long acted as a mediator between Iran and Western powers, previously hosted similar talks. Those negotiations collapsed last year after a brief war between Iran and Israel, during which the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. A White House official confirmed the talks will go ahead in Oman but said Washington remains skeptical about their success. Several regional leaders reportedly urged the U.S. not to abandon diplomacy despite ongoing tensions. The talks come amid sharp strains in relations, including the recent shooting down of an Iranian drone by a U.S. Navy jet and an attempted interception of a U.S.-flagged ship by Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his foreign minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations,” signaling rare openness to talks backed by Supreme Leader Khamenei. U.S. officials said Washington hopes discussions will eventually expand beyond the nuclear issue to include Iran’s missile program, regional proxy networks and human rights concerns. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful, though it has enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels. Turkey has urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomacy, warning that foreign intervention in Iran could destabilize the region.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday warned that any military attack by the United States would spark a “regional war,” sharply escalating rhetoric amid rising tensions following Washington’s threats over Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The warning, delivered as US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships operate in the Arabian Sea, marked Khamenei’s most direct threat so far. The vessels were deployed by President Donald Trump after Iran’s security forces moved forcefully to suppress weeks of unrest across the country. It remains uncertain whether Washington will resort to military action. Trump has repeatedly said Iran is interested in negotiations, while also raising concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme as a key unresolved issue. Addressing a crowd at his Tehran compound during events marking the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 86-year-old leader accused the United States of seeking to dominate Iran’s natural resources. “The Americans must know that if they start a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said. He added that Iran did not seek conflict, but warned that any attack or harassment would be met with a severe response from the Iranian nation. Trump, asked about the warning, told reporters that US naval forces were positioned nearby and expressed hope for a negotiated settlement. He said if no deal was reached, it would become clear whether Khamenei’s threat was credible. Khamenei also hardened his stance on the protests, describing them as “sedition” akin to a coup attempt. While he had earlier acknowledged that some protesters were driven by economic grievances, he now accused demonstrators of targeting state institutions, security forces, banks and religious sites in an effort to destabilise the country. Human Rights Activists New Agency, a US-based group that tracks developments inside Iran, said more than 49,500 people have been detained since the protests began in late December and estimated at least 6,713 deaths, mostly among demonstrators. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the figures, citing Iran’s restrictions on internet access. Iranian authorities have put the death toll far lower, reporting 3,117 fatalities as of Jan 21, including civilians and security personnel, while labelling others “terrorists.” Past unrest has seen official figures widely questioned. Meanwhile, Iran had planned live-fire military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The US military warned Tehran against threatening American forces or disrupting commercial shipping during the exercises. In a separate development, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist organisations. The move came after the EU designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror group over its role in the crackdown. Qalibaf, a former Guard commander, made the announcement as lawmakers wore Guard uniforms in solidarity. The designation is largely symbolic, mirroring a 2019 Iranian law used after the United States labelled the Guard a terrorist organisation. Lawmakers later chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans in parliament. Trump has outlined two red lines that could trigger US military action: the killing of peaceful protesters or mass executions of detainees. He has also renewed focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, which the US struck during a brief war with Iran last June. Speaking over the weekend, Trump declined to say whether he had decided on a course of action, but said Iran was “seriously talking” to the United States about reaching a deal to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

As tensions rise between Iran and the United States, Tehran authorities have moved to strengthen civil defense measures, designating 82 metro stations and over 300 underground spaces as emergency shelters. Ali Nasiri, head of the Tehran Crisis Management Organization, told media on Saturday that the Passive Defense Committee of Tehran Municipality surveyed existing shelters and identified around 518 older shelters in schools, though only 20% are currently restorable, reports reports Anadolu Ajansi. The 82 metro stations are being equipped with essential facilities, including restrooms, water, and food supplies. Shelter signs and labels are expected to be completed soon. Additional underground locations, such as parking lots and public complexes, have also been earmarked as emergency shelters, which once operational could accommodate around 2.5 million residents. Tehran’s population ranges from 10–12 million, rising to 15–16 million including the greater metropolitan area. Read More: Iran dismisses Trump’s threats, vows swift response to any US attack During the June 2025 confrontation between Iran and Israel, residents had previously taken refuge in metro stations. Since that 12-day conflict, officials have upgraded shelters to enhance safety in the capital. In recent weeks, fears of renewed conflict have grown after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a naval fleet en route to Iran. The Iranian government has warned it will respond forcefully to any military attack, prompting authorities to accelerate preparations for potential emergencies.

Iran’s parliament on Sunday labeled all EU militaries as terrorist groups in response to the EU’s designation of its Revolutionary Guard.. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Guard commander, said the designation is largely symbolic. Iran has previously used a 2019 law to reciprocally label foreign militaries as terror groups after the United States classified the Guard as such that year. The announcement comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump weighing potential military action against Iran. The country has also scheduled live-fire drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil trade passes. Qalibaf and other lawmakers donned Guard uniforms during the parliamentary session in a show of support. He criticized the EU, saying their decision to target the Guard “goes against the interests of their own people” and blamed the bloc for following U.S. influence. Lawmakers later chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. Trump has warned Iran against killing peaceful protesters or executing detainees in the crackdown. He also raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, which was previously the subject of negotiations with the U.S. before Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran last June, during which the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Satellite observations suggest Iran may be trying to obscure activity at two of the sites. Trump, speaking to reporters en route to Florida, avoided confirming any military decision, but reiterated that Iran should reach a “satisfactory” nuclear deal. “I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us,” he said. Satellite images show new activity at Iran nuclear sites amid protest tensions Meanwhile, Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani tweeted that “structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” though no direct talks with the U.S. have been confirmed, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei repeatedly ruling them out.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran is negotiating with the United States. “The plan is that (Iran is) in talks with us, and we’ll see whether anything can be achieved. Otherwise, we’ll see what happens,” Trump told a Fox News correspondent. He said that “the last time they negotiated, we had to remove their nuclear capability. It didn’t work, you know. Then we did it a different way, and we’ll see what happens.” “We have a large fleet moving there, larger than what we had and still have, actually in Venezuela,” Trump said. Read More: Trump hikes US tariffs on South Korean goods to 25 percent Trump also said the United States could not share military plans with Gulf allies while negotiations with Iran were under way. “We can’t tell them the plan. If I told them the plan, it would be almost as bad as telling you the plan it could be worse, actually,” he said, responding to reports that Gulf allies remain uninformed about potential U.S. intervention plans involving Iran.

The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation,” a move praised by EU officials and strongly condemned by Tehran amid rising US-Iran tensions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the decision followed a meeting of European foreign ministers, calling the designation “necessary” to hold the regime accountable for its violent suppression of domestic protests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the action as “long overdue” and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom. Iran reacted sharply. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi termed the EU’s decision a “publicity stunt” and a “strategic mistake,” accusing Europe of selective outrage by ignoring Israeli actions in Gaza while targeting Iran. The Iranian armed forces warned that the move violates international law and could have serious consequences for European policymakers. Tehran also announced planned live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz next week, signaling readiness for “immediate and powerful” response to any potential attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed dialogue and diplomatic engagement to maintain regional peace during a recent phone call. The IRGC, founded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, operates alongside Iran’s regular military under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, overseeing ballistic missile and nuclear programs, and supporting regional proxy groups. The US first designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organisation in 2019. Analysts say the EU move intensifies Iran’s already high-stakes geopolitical position, as the country faces growing Western pressure and regional instability.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Iran that “time is running out” to negotiate a nuclear deal, amid a significant buildup of American military forces in the Gulf. Trump described a “massive armada” moving rapidly with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose” toward Iran, signaling Washington’s readiness to act if necessary. The fleet is led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, supported by destroyers, combat ships, and aerial assets deployed across Jordan, Qatar, and the Indian Ocean. Satellite imagery and open-source tracking confirm fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, and surveillance planes have also been stationed near Iranian airspace. Responding to Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Tehran is prepared to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any aggression and reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program remains purely peaceful. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said no formal negotiations with the US are currently underway despite “exchanges of messages.” Trump’s warnings follow earlier US commitments to intervene after the crackdown on protests in Iran, which began after the national currency plunged but escalated into a broader challenge to the clerical regime. Rights groups report thousands of deaths since the unrest began in late December, with figures ranging from 6,000 to potentially more than 25,000. Trump called on Iran to “come to the table” for a fair deal prohibiting nuclear weapons, while US officials stress Tehran must also limit its missile program and support for regional proxies. Iranian officials reiterated that any deal must be free from coercion, threats, or intimidation and preserve the country’s right to peaceful nuclear technology. The US last targeted Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 during Tehran’s brief conflict with Israel, an operation Washington said set back its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran has deployed its drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri near its coast, signaling readiness to counter any potential US action.   With inputs from BBC

A month after nationwide protests erupted in Iran, fear and uncertainty are spreading across the Middle East over a possible U.S. military strike, as regional diplomacy intensifies to avert a crisis. Iranian officials engaged with neighboring countries on Wednesday following signs that Washington may consider military action. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have both ruled out allowing their airspace to be used for any such attack. Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers to the region, capable of launching strikes from the sea. U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet decided on using force, although he has warned against the killing of peaceful demonstrators and mass executions of detainees. Activists say at least 6,221 people have died in Iran’s crackdown on protests, with thousands more injured or arrested. Amid internet restrictions, Iranians remain anxious, watching videos of shootings and fearing further escalation while the country’s economy deteriorates. “I feel my generation failed to teach the younger ones,” said Mohammad Heidari, a Tehran high school teacher. Diplomatic contacts intensified this week. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to “work toward achieving calm.” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating that Saudi airspace or territory would not be used for attacks against Iran, a position mirrored by the UAE. Both countries host U.S. military assets but have faced attacks in recent years, including the 2019 strike that halved Saudi oil production and Houthi attacks on the UAE in 2022. Iran also targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base last year after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Araghchi stressed that diplomacy must replace threats. “Negotiations must be conducted on an equal footing, based on mutual respect, and for mutual benefit,” he said. Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 6,221 deaths, including protesters, children, and civilians, with over 42,300 arrests since the unrest began on Dec. 28 following a sharp fall in the Iranian rial. Iran’s official figures remain far lower, citing 3,117 deaths and labeling many victims as “terrorists.” The current unrest, the deadliest in decades, recalls the turmoil of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran is facing its deadliest crackdown on dissent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as authorities suppress nationwide protests with lethal force, despite cutting off internet and communication across the country. Cities and towns are filled with smoke, with fire-damaged mosques, government offices, and banks lining the streets. State media reported at least $125 million in damage across more than 20 cities. Activists say the death toll continues to rise, accusing security forces of using long-standing tactics — firing from rooftops, shooting birdshot into crowds, and deploying motorcycle-riding Revolutionary Guard volunteers to beat and detain protesters. “The vast majority of protesters were peaceful,” said Raha Bahreini of Amnesty International. “The authorities have opened fire unlawfully, targeting crowds that included children and families.” Protests began on Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and spread nationwide. Violence escalated on Jan. 8 after calls from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian said more than 400 cities were affected. Videos show security forces, including the Basij volunteer arm of the Revolutionary Guard, using shotguns, batons, and assault rifles. Many demonstrators suffered severe injuries, including eye wounds consistent with birdshot. Iran’s Farabi Eye Hospital mobilized all available doctors to treat the injured. Casualty reports vary: the Iranian government said 3,117 were killed, including civilians and security personnel, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 5,137 deaths, including 4,834 protesters. State media also reported widespread damage to banks, ATMs, government buildings, and vehicles. Amid fears of U.S. military action, an American aircraft carrier and warships are moving toward the Middle East. Observers warn that Iran could see renewed protests around Feb. 17, the 40-day mourning period for those killed. Satellite images show large numbers of mourners at Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, chanting against Iran’s leadership.

Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard has warned the United States that its forces remain on high alert, even as President Donald Trump said Tehran appears willing to enter negotiations. In a statement aired by state television on Thursday, Revolutionary Guard commander Gen Mohammad Pakpour said his forces have their “finger on the trigger,” cautioning both Washington and Israel against what he described as potential miscalculations. He urged the US and Israel to draw lessons from past conflicts, including what he called the “12-day imposed war,” and said the Guard stood fully prepared to carry out any orders from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite the sharp rhetoric, signs of immediate US military action appeared to ease this week. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said the United States had struck Iranian uranium enrichment facilities last year to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. New Israeli settlement Yatziv inaugurated near Beit Sahour “We can’t let that happen,” Trump said, adding that Iran “does want to talk,” and that the US would engage in discussions. At the same time, Iran’s military leadership issued further warnings. Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, head of Iran’s joint command headquarters, said any US attack would make “all US interests, bases and centres of influence” legitimate targets. Earlier this week, Trump had warned Iran’s leaders that the United States would respond decisively if there were any attempt on his life, linking such a scenario to potential retaliation over actions targeting Khamenei. The heightened tensions come as Iran’s leadership deals with the fallout from nationwide protests that erupted in late December. Authorities have since suppressed the unrest through a forceful crackdown, alongside a sweeping internet blackout described by monitoring group NetBlocks as a “national kill-switch,” now in its second week. Hackers disrupt Iran state TV as protest crackdown death toll tops 4,000 On Wednesday, Iranian officials released their first official casualty figures from the protests, saying 3,117 people were killed. #With inputs from Agencies