A long-anticipated meeting between the United States and Iran took place in Oman, where U.S. President Donald Trump described the discussions as 'very good.' Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump said Iran was eager to reach a deal and confirmed that another round of talks would be held next week.

The meeting in Muscat was led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper. The talks occurred amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with the stated goal of preventing further escalation of tensions.

During the discussions, Trump issued an executive order imposing punitive measures against Tehran. The order stipulates that countries purchasing goods from Iran will face secondary tariffs on their own exports to the United States.

Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading Tehran’s delegation and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Central Command chief Brad Cooper representing Washington. Araghchi described the discussions as a “good start” but said further steps would be decided after consultations with both capitals. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi mediated between the two sides, saying the exchanges helped clarify positions and identify possible areas of progress.

The talks took place as tensions escalated following a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites during a brief US-Israel conflict in June. Washington is demanding that Iran halt all uranium enrichment, restrict its missile program, and end support for allied armed groups in the region. Tehran insists it will only negotiate on nuclear issues to lift sanctions and demands an end to US threats of war. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard unveiled a new Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile, signaling continued military readiness.

Inside Iran, public opinion is divided. Some citizens hope diplomacy will ease economic hardship and avert conflict, while others fear the talks will fail and lead to war. The atmosphere remains tense following deadly nationwide protests last month.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United States to maintain mutual respect in upcoming discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. In a message posted on social media platform X on Friday, Araghchi said Iran is entering the talks with an open mind and good faith but remains firm on protecting its rights. Before the talks, he met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, according to Al Arabiya.

Araghchi emphasized that honoring commitments, equality, mutual respect, and shared interests are essential pillars for any sustainable agreement. The Iranian news agency Mehr reported that Araghchi and Al-Busaidi discussed bilateral, regional, and international matters during their meeting.

Direct talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday. Washington is reportedly assessing whether diplomatic progress is possible on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues, while not ruling out the possibility of military action.

The United States has instructed its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, according to a security alert issued early Friday by the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran. The advisory warned that internet disruptions are expected to continue, with heightened security measures, interruptions in public transportation, and restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet services. It also cautioned that flights could be suspended at any time without prior notice.

The alert advised U.S. citizens to seek alternative communication methods and, if possible, exit Iran by land through Armenia or Turkey. Those unable to leave were urged to move to a secure building and keep essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. Additional guidance included maintaining anonymity, dual nationals using Iranian passports to depart, keeping mobile phones charged, and monitoring local media for updates.

The advisory emphasized that citizens should not rely on U.S. government assistance when attempting to leave Iran, underscoring the seriousness of the current security situation.

The United States and Iran are set to begin high-level talks in Muscat, Oman, amid fears of military confrontation. The discussions, expected to start on Friday, follow Washington’s strong reaction to Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests last month. Human rights groups report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The talks will be led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The US has demanded Iran suspend its nuclear program, reduce enriched uranium stockpiles, and address issues including ballistic missiles, regional militias, and human rights. Iran insists the talks should focus solely on its nuclear activities. President Donald Trump has warned of possible airstrikes if no agreement is reached, while Iran has threatened retaliation against US assets in the Middle East and Israel. Regional mediators view the dialogue as a last chance to prevent open conflict.

Analysts describe Iran’s government as being at its weakest since the 1979 revolution, facing economic crisis and internal dissent. The outcome of these talks could determine whether tensions ease or escalate further in the region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two ships accused of smuggling fuel near Farsi Island, off the coast of Bushehr Province in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC Navy’s public relations office announced on Thursday that the vessels were captured following an operation in the strategically important waters around the small, barren island. According to the statement, more than one million liters of smuggled fuel were recovered, and 15 foreign crew members were detained and handed over to judicial authorities.

The IRGC alleged that the ships were part of an organized fuel smuggling network active for several months. Intelligence surveillance and targeted operations led to their identification and capture. However, the statement did not disclose the ships’ origin or destination, nor the nationalities of the detained sailors.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, as the United States has recently increased its military presence in the region and President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran. Meanwhile, Iran and the United States have agreed to begin indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, on Friday through regional mediation.

Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, later this week. The confirmation came from both sides on Wednesday, following earlier uncertainty over the venue and agenda. Ahead of the meeting, US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he should be “very worried.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that the meeting is scheduled for Friday and thanked Oman for its support. The White House also confirmed the talks.

Reports indicate that Turkey was previously considered as a host, but disagreements over including Iran’s ballistic missile program led the US to reconsider. Trump told NBC News that Iran was planning to build a new nuclear facility and warned of severe consequences if it proceeded. The US Navy has deployed the “Armada” fleet in the region, which recently shot down an Iranian drone, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that meaningful dialogue must address Iran’s missile program, support for regional armed groups, and human rights issues. Despite internal unrest and regional pressure, the Muscat meeting is viewed as a significant diplomatic step for both nations.

Iran has unveiled a new underground missile base as tensions with the United States continue to escalate. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the development on Wednesday, February 4, during an official ceremony attended by Iran’s Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahman Mousavi and Aerospace Division head Sayed Majed Mousavi. Senior military officials reviewed the Guard’s missile readiness and capabilities during the event.

During the inspection, the Armed Forces Chief stated that Iran is fully prepared to face any potential threat. He explained that following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June of the previous year, Iran shifted its military strategy from a defensive to an offensive posture, enhancing its ability to conduct large-scale operations in a short time. The new approach also includes plans for asymmetric warfare and countering enemy strategies.

In recent days, the United States has increased its military presence around Iran, deploying warships and other assets. Although both countries have agreed to hold talks, concerns remain that U.S. forces could strike Iran if negotiations fail. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack could ignite a wider regional war.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential nuclear negotiations with the United States will be conducted strictly within the framework of Iran’s national interests. According to reports from Tehran, he has instructed the foreign minister accordingly. In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said discussions could proceed only in a fair and balanced environment free from threats and unreasonable demands.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that “bad things could happen” if no agreement is reached. Following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran last month, the United States deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, further escalating tensions. Trump said Washington still hopes for a resolution with Tehran but cautioned that failure could worsen the situation.

Iran has emphasized that talks will focus solely on its nuclear program, excluding missile or defense capabilities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that a nuclear deal is possible if both sides pursue a fair approach and ensure that nuclear weapons are not developed. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack could easily trigger a regional war.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any US attack on Iran would trigger a severe response and could escalate into a full-scale regional war across the Middle East. His remarks were reported on Monday, February 2, 2026, by BBC News, amid Western media speculation about his absence from public view. Khamenei directly addressed US President Donald Trump, criticizing repeated threats of deploying warships to the region and asserting that the Iranian people are not intimidated by such military displays.

Khamenei emphasized that Iran would never initiate conflict but would respond firmly if attacked, warning that any war would not remain limited in scope. The statement came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high over US military movements in the Middle East.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Iran’s National Security Adviser Ali Larijani indicated that diplomatic efforts were still underway, confirming that discussions between the United States and Iran continued to seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, aged 26, who had reportedly been sentenced to death for involvement in last month’s anti-government demonstrations, was released on bail on Saturday, according to his lawyer and human rights groups. Soltani was arrested on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, during widespread protests that triggered a heavy government crackdown. The Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw said authorities initially told his family that his execution could occur within days, but Iran’s judiciary later clarified that he faced only security-related charges and no death sentence had been issued.

His lawyer, Amir Musakhani, confirmed that Soltani was freed on bail of 2 billion tomans, approximately 12,600 dollars, and that his personal belongings, including his phone, remained under control. The case drew international attention after reports of his death sentence circulated globally. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if the execution were carried out, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that any attack could spark regional conflict.

Iran’s foreign minister dismissed foreign media reports as fabricated, stating there were no plans for Soltani’s execution. Human rights groups reported thousands killed during the unrest, with investigations ongoing.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deputy commander Brigadier General Ahmed Vahidi has described the recent deployment of US naval forces in the Gulf as an act of psychological warfare. Speaking to the Mehr news agency, Vahidi said the move is part of a broader psychological campaign aimed at spreading the perception that war is imminent.

He warned that Iran should not fall into this trap and that national actions must remain unaffected by such psychological operations. The commander emphasized that the presence of US naval forces in the region is not new and should be viewed within the same framework of psychological warfare. Vahidi also stated that Iran’s armed forces are at the highest level of readiness and are continuously monitoring all enemy movements.

According to the report, US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that a large naval fleet is heading toward Iran and urged Tehran to join negotiations immediately.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program remain possible if mutual trust can be rebuilt. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, he stated that Iran has lost confidence in the US as a negotiating partner but emphasized that restoring trust could reopen dialogue. Araghchi also warned that any military intervention in Iran would spread across the wider region.

He explained that Iran is not worried about war itself but about misinformation and external efforts that could push Washington toward conflict through misjudgment. According to Araghchi, regional countries are acting as intermediaries to exchange messages and help rebuild confidence between Tehran and Washington. He described current talks as “productive” and said they could lay the groundwork for substantive negotiations.

Araghchi stressed that the focus should be on the core issues rather than the format of talks, noting that whether communication is direct or indirect is less important. He also referenced former US President Donald Trump’s stated goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying Tehran agrees with that objective.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any United States attack on Iran would lead to a regional war. He issued the warning during a speech on Saturday, according to Press TV. Khamenei said the United States should understand that initiating a conflict would not remain limited to Iran alone. He emphasized that the Iranian nation is not intimidated by threats or displays of military power.

Khamenei noted that American threats of war are not new, recalling that US officials have repeatedly said all options, including military action, remain on the table. Responding to threats from US President Donald Trump, he stated that the Iranian people are not influenced by such rhetoric. He reiterated that Iran would not start a war but would respond firmly to any aggression.

The remarks underscore Tehran’s stance of deterrence amid ongoing tensions with Washington, signaling that any confrontation could have broader regional consequences.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that the Islamic Republic will now classify all European Union military forces as terrorist groups. The declaration came after the European Union designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in response to Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests. The announcement was reported by ABC News.

Ghalibaf stated that the decision was made under Article 7 of Iran’s law governing reciprocal measures against foreign actions. As a gesture of solidarity, he addressed the parliamentary session wearing the uniform of the Revolutionary Guards. The move marks Tehran’s direct retaliation against the EU’s earlier decision.

Earlier, the European Union had listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization following what it described as brutal repression of Iranian protesters. The reciprocal designation by Iran signals further deterioration in relations between Tehran and European governments.