European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for a diplomatic solution to the Iran issue. She made the appeal on Monday, February 23, ahead of possible talks between Tehran and Washington, and following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of an attack on Iran. Speaking before a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kallas emphasized that the region does not need another war and already faces many conflicts.

Kallas noted that Iran is currently in a weakened position and urged that this moment be used to find a diplomatic resolution. Her remarks come as Iran and the United States prepare to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

The EU’s call for diplomacy reflects its continued preference for negotiation over confrontation in addressing Middle East crises, particularly as global concern grows over potential military escalation.

Iran has signed a secret missile agreement worth about $589 million with Russia to strengthen its air defense system, according to leaked Russian documents cited by the Financial Times. The deal was reportedly signed in Moscow in December 2025. Under the agreement, Russia will supply Iran with 500 'Verba man-portable air defense systems' and 2,500 9M336-type missiles over three years, with deliveries scheduled in three phases between 2027 and 2029. Some of the missiles may be delivered earlier than planned.

The report states that Tehran requested the purchase from Moscow in July 2025, following an Israeli attack on Iran and a 12-day conflict in June of that year. The request was made to enhance Iran’s defense capabilities and protect strategic installations. The Verba system is described as one of Russia’s most advanced air defense technologies.

The agreement underscores Iran’s efforts to rebuild and modernize its defense infrastructure after the 2025 conflict, signaling deeper military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.

Iran and the United States are set to resume discussions in Geneva on Thursday, confirmed Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. He announced the meeting in a social media post on Sunday, stating that the talks aim to achieve positive progress toward finalizing an agreement. The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera.

The development comes as the United States continues to expand its military presence in the Middle East, a move that has heightened fears of a full-scale conflict with Iran. Just hours before Oman’s confirmation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to implement a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful, which could help ease tensions.

Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Araghchi emphasized that despite military risks, Iran intends to enrich uranium domestically rather than purchasing it abroad, citing national pride and the value of its scientists’ achievements.

Amid ongoing discussions with the United States over its nuclear program, Iran has witnessed a resurgence of youth-led protests. On Sunday, for the second consecutive day, citizens gathered in Tehran for rallies and demonstrations. According to AFP, the protests began on Saturday as young anti-government demonstrators demanded justice for those killed by security forces during incidents in December and January.

In response, pro-government groups called for counter-rallies involving young supporters. Iran’s Fars News reported that the protests have spread across three universities in Tehran, with Sharif University emerging as the focal point of the movement. Videos circulating on social media showed students at Sharif University marching with flags from the era of former Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and chanting anti-government slogans.

The renewed protests highlight growing generational dissent in Iran even as the government continues sensitive diplomatic negotiations with Washington over its nuclear activities.

Iran marked the 47th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution on 11 February amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. US President Donald Trump has threatened regime change in Tehran over its nuclear program and reportedly considered limited strikes targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior officials. Washington has deployed aircraft carriers and additional fighter jets near Iran, while Israel has placed its defense forces on high alert and prepared for potential missile retaliation.

Khamenei, now 86 and in power for 36 years, is confronting one of the gravest crises of his rule. Iran’s economy remains crippled by sanctions, and recent protests over inflation and shortages have left thousands dead after violent crackdowns. Meanwhile, Iran’s regional influence has waned following the weakening of allies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and the loss of key military infrastructure in Israeli and US strikes.

Despite these setbacks, Khamenei has vowed to defend the Islamic Republic, warning that Iran could sink US warships if attacked. The outcome of this standoff may determine the future of Iran’s revolutionary system and its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that his country will not bow to pressure from the United States, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks that he was considering limited military strikes to force a deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Pezeshkian made the comments at a ceremony in Tehran honouring Iranian Paralympians, as the US expanded its military presence in the Gulf with two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter jets.

Indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US resumed earlier this month in Oman and continued last week in Switzerland, but no breakthrough was achieved. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft deal could be finalised within days. Meanwhile, Trump warned that Iran had a short window to reach a “meaningful deal,” and hinted at possible limited strikes. Iran’s letter to the UN Security Council cautioned that any US aggression would be met “decisively and proportionately.”

The growing military buildup has raised fears of regional conflict, prompting several countries, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia, to advise their citizens to leave Iran.

Iran has temporarily closed sections of the Strait of Hormuz and conducted live-fire military drills amid escalating tensions with the United States. The move coincides with the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford to the Gulf, marking one of the largest US military build-ups in the region since 2003. The strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies and a fifth of global LNG shipments pass, is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Tehran’s actions served as a warning of the potential economic fallout if Washington proceeds with threats to strike Iran.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, roughly 20 million barrels of oil worth nearly $500bn transit the strait daily, with 84 percent of crude and 83 percent of LNG bound for Asia. Analysts told Al Jazeera that any closure would cause a major spike in oil prices, as 70 percent of OPEC+ spare capacity lies in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other exporters have limited alternative routes, while Asian economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea depend heavily on uninterrupted flows.

Experts warned that a prolonged disruption could trigger global inflation, raise production costs, and unsettle Gulf investment and development projects.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that recent nuclear talks with the United States had produced “encouraging signals,” while warning that Tehran remains prepared for any outcome ahead of a new round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. His remarks came as fears of military confrontation grew, with the US expanding its military presence in the Gulf and President Donald Trump warning of “really bad things” if no deal is reached. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed that the third round of indirect talks between the two sides will take place in Switzerland.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed that Tehran’s nuclear programme is a matter of national pride and that the country will not abandon it while it remains under international safeguards. He said Iran is ready to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and emphasized its right to peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment. Araqchi added that Iran is preparing a draft proposal aimed at accommodating both sides’ interests and achieving a “fast deal.”

Observers remain cautious, noting that despite positive rhetoric, major differences persist. Analysts warned that US expectations shaped by Israeli influence could hinder progress even if Iran offers significant concessions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that his country will not yield to US pressure regarding its nuclear program. He made the statement during a ceremony honoring members of Iran’s Paralympic team. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes to pressure Iranian leaders into reaching a nuclear control agreement.

Responding to Trump’s comments, Pezeshkian said Iran would not bow to any challenges or coordinated efforts by world powers to force compliance. The statement underscored Tehran’s defiance as indirect talks between Iran and the United States resumed earlier this month in Oman, followed by a second round in Switzerland last week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that a diplomatic solution was within reach and that a draft agreement could be finalized within two to three days for submission to Washington.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted the first test of the Sayyad-3G air defense missile in the Strait of Hormuz. The missile, with a range of 150 kilometers, was launched as part of a naval exercise. Iranian authorities stated that the new system will enhance regional air defense capabilities. The IRGC released footage of the launch on Saturday, showcasing the naval version of the previously land-based Sayyad-3G system.

According to the report, Iran had earlier tested the long-range, land-based Sayyad-3 missile on December 28, 2016. That version had a range of 120 kilometers, a length of six meters, and a weight of 900 kilograms. The recent test took place during the “Smart Control” exercise, which began on February 16 and lasted three days.

The development marks Iran’s continued effort to expand its air defense technology and adapt existing systems for naval use, as reported by Middle East Monitor.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that 32,000 people were killed in recent protests in Iran. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Washington to present concrete evidence supporting the claim, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi stated that if there is any doubt about the figures, the United States should make its proof public.

The Iranian minister asserted that his government has maintained full transparency by releasing a comprehensive list of those affected. According to data provided by Tehran, the list includes 3,117 civilians and 200 security personnel. The Iranian government’s figures sharply contrast with Trump’s claim, highlighting a significant discrepancy between the two sides.

Meanwhile, for the first time since last month’s deadly crackdown, large-scale anti-government demonstrations have resumed in Iran. University students across several campuses in Tehran held protests and sit-ins on Saturday, signaling renewed unrest in the capital.

University students across Iran launched large-scale anti-government demonstrations on Saturday, marking the first major wave of protests since last month’s deadly crackdown. Rallies and sit-ins took place at several campuses in Tehran, including Sharif University of Technology, where hundreds of students marched peacefully with national flags. Verified videos showed chants calling for the end of dictatorship, reportedly directed at Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Pro-government supporters held a counter-rally nearby, leading to brief scuffles between the two groups. Similar protests were reported at Shahid Beheshti and Amirkabir universities, while students in Mashhad demanded freedom and rights.

The unrest follows last month’s economic crisis that escalated into nationwide anti-government protests, described as the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claimed at least 6,159 people were killed, including protesters, children, and government personnel, while Iranian authorities reported over 3,100 deaths, mostly security forces and civilians.

Tensions with the United States have further complicated the situation. President Donald Trump said progress had been made in nuclear talks but warned that within ten days it would be clear whether a deal or military action would follow.

Tensions between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program have intensified, according to a report by Axios. The report claims that if Iran fails to provide assurances of permanently halting nuclear weapons development, the U.S. may consider extreme measures, including removing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei. The Pentagon has reportedly presented several strategic options to President Donald Trump, one of which involves dismantling Iran’s religious leadership structure. Trump has not yet made a final decision and is said to be keeping all options open.

The report adds that if Iran commits to permanently stopping weapons production, limited uranium enrichment could be allowed, though no final decision has been made. Diplomatic efforts have so far yielded little progress, raising fears of military confrontation. Several Gulf states and Israel believe conflict is more likely than compromise. The U.S. has assembled its largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war, though Trump has not authorized military action.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that both sides have agreed on some basic principles and that Tehran will soon submit a written proposal. The White House confirmed that significant gaps remain before any agreement can be reached.

The Iranian government has rejected international claims about the scale of killings during last month’s nationwide protests, insisting that “terrorists” were responsible for the deaths. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran had released a list of 3,117 people described as victims of “recent terrorist operations,” including about 200 security personnel. He challenged critics to provide evidence disputing the figures, after US President Donald Trump claimed that 32,000 people were killed and said Iranians had “lived in hell” under the current establishment.

UN special rapporteur Mai Sato and 30 other human rights experts said more than 20,000 civilians may have been killed, though they noted that information remains limited due to heavy internet restrictions. The US-based HRANA reported documenting over 7,000 deaths and investigating thousands more. The experts urged Iran to reveal the fate of those arrested or missing and to stop executions linked to the protests, warning that the true scale of the crackdown remains unclear.

Meanwhile, tensions persist across Iran, with student clashes at Tehran’s Sharif University and teachers striking over the killing of children. Families continue to hold independent memorials for victims, defying official mourning events promoted as symbols of “unity and empathy.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains ready to pursue peace and diplomacy with the United States despite threats of a possible US attack. In an interview with American television network MS Now on Friday, Araghchi stated that a military invasion of Iran would bring catastrophic consequences for the entire world. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program has no military solution and that a diplomatic resolution is within reach.

Araghchi described the expansion of US military presence in the Middle East as unnecessary and insisted that any agreement must be fair and mutually beneficial. He warned that military options would only complicate the situation and cause disastrous outcomes not only for Iran but for the entire region and international community.

A few hours after Araghchi’s remarks, US President Donald Trump told reporters he was considering the possibility of an attack on Iran, according to the same report.