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.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Iran remains ready for peace and diplomacy with the United States, asserting that a deal between the two countries is achievable despite Washington’s threats. Speaking to US network MS NOW, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear programme has no military solution and described the US military build-up in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter jets, as “unnecessary and unhelpful.” He warned that military action would bring disastrous consequences for the region and the international community.

Araghchi’s comments came as US President Donald Trump confirmed he was considering limited strikes against Iran to strengthen Washington’s negotiating position. The two sides have held two rounds of talks in the past month, which both described as positive. However, the US continues to deploy military assets near Iran, and Trump has repeatedly threatened further action if Tehran rebuilds its nuclear or missile programmes.

Araghchi said Iran will soon submit a written proposal for a deal to US negotiators, noting that both sides have agreed on guiding principles and will next work on finalizing the draft text.

The European Union has warned that any military action concerning Iran’s nuclear program would pose a serious threat to stability in the Middle East. The statement came on February 20, 2026, as tensions between Iran and the United States continued. The EU urged both sides to resolve their ongoing crisis through diplomatic means, according to TRT World.

European Commission spokesperson Anwar El Anouni told reporters that the EU remains hopeful about progress in diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. He emphasized that diplomacy is the only effective path forward and called on Iran to address international concerns. El Anouni cautioned that military escalation could have severe consequences for regional stability.

He reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to act responsibly. The spokesperson also stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could reignite tensions and of adhering to international law.

Iran has warned that it will launch retaliatory attacks on US bases and related facilities in the Middle East if it faces military aggression. The warning came after US President Donald Trump gave Iran 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement, threatening military action otherwise. Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations conveyed the message in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stating that Tehran does not seek war but will respond if attacked, and that the United States would bear full responsibility for any escalation.

The exchange of threats followed the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Geneva discussions had made “good progress,” but noted that the US had strengthened its military presence in the Gulf region by deploying two aircraft carriers and several warplanes.

The developments highlight rising tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both sides signaling readiness for confrontation if negotiations fail.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any US attack on Iran would have dangerous consequences, describing such an action as 'playing with fire'. He made the remarks in an interview with Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. His comments came a day after indirect talks between Iranian and US negotiators in Geneva aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Lavrov said that attacks had been carried out on Iranian nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, posing a serious risk of a nuclear accident. He noted that he had closely observed the stance of Arab and Gulf governments regarding a possible strike on Iran and found that none were willing to escalate tensions, recognizing the grave risks involved.

According to Lavrov, further escalation could reverse recent positive developments, including the restoration of friendly relations between Iran and neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has warned that time is running out for the United States and Iran to reach an agreement. In an interview with a French television channel, Grossi said that although dialogue has begun, the discussions have become extremely complex. He noted that for the first time there appears to be a real possibility of reaching a compromise, with both sides starting to discuss specific issues.

The report states that Tehran has suspended several forms of cooperation with the IAEA. Following attacks by Israel and the United States last June, Iran blocked the agency’s access to its nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, alongside ongoing talks, US President Donald Trump met with national security officials to discuss potential military action against Iran. The meeting, held on Wednesday, February 18, reportedly focused on preparations for a possible strike by Saturday, February 21.

According to a CBS report citing an unnamed official, US security officials indicated readiness to carry out an attack before the end of the week, though the president has not yet made a final decision.

Iran and Russia are set to conduct a joint naval exercise on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, according to Iranian Navy Commander Captain Hassan Maqsoodlou, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The exercise aims to expand maritime cooperation and strengthen coordination in planning and executing combined operations between the two nations’ navies.

IRNA noted that the drill highlights the importance of monitoring regional conditions in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean. It also reflects both countries’ commitment to enhancing maritime collaboration, opposing unilateral actions, and ensuring the security of regional maritime trade. Russian Navy Commander Captain Alexei Sergeyev stated that Russia is ready to hold joint exercises in any region.

The announcement comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began a separate military drill in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, amid heightened tensions with the United States. The exercise coincided with indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva, mediated by Oman.

Iran has summoned Germany’s ambassador in Tehran following a large protest in Munich that Iranian authorities described as anti-Iran activity. The state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday that Ambassador Axel Dittmann was called to the Foreign Ministry, where officials lodged a strong protest over what they called destructive actions against the Islamic Republic and violations of international law. The protest in Munich last Saturday drew about 250,000 participants, according to police sources, and featured a speech by Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah and a critic of Iran’s current leadership.

The IRNA report stated that Dittmann promised to convey Iran’s strong protest and deep dissatisfaction to Berlin. The Munich demonstration came amid ongoing unrest in Iran that began over rising living costs and has evolved into broader anti-government protests. Iranian authorities claim the unrest was fueled by foreign provocation, blaming the United States and Israel.

Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed during the unrest, while international organizations estimate the death toll to exceed 7,000, most of them protesters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced significant progress in indirect negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks, held on Tuesday in Geneva under Omani mediation, aimed to prevent potential U.S. military intervention by reaching an understanding on nuclear restrictions. Araghchi said both sides had agreed on key guiding principles to resolve the long-standing nuclear dispute and would now begin drafting a possible agreement.

Araghchi described the latest round as more productive than the first phase held earlier this month in Oman, noting that a clear and positive path forward had emerged. He added that both parties would prepare draft texts and exchange them before setting a date for a third round of discussions.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that President Trump had set certain “red lines” that Iran was still unwilling to accept, indicating that some core disagreements remain despite the reported progress.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the United States can never destroy the Islamic Republic, responding to recent anti-Iran statements by US President Donald Trump. Speaking on Tuesday in East Azerbaijan Province before thousands gathered ahead of the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz uprising, Khamenei warned that even the most powerful American warships could be sunk. He said the US military, though claiming to be the world’s strongest, could still be struck so hard that it could not recover.

Khamenei accused Washington of seeking dominance over the Iranian nation and asserted that Iranians know how to respond. He reaffirmed Iran’s right to pursue its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment, under international frameworks, calling any attempt to undermine that right unreasonable. His remarks followed Trump’s claim about US military strength and his stance toward Iran.

The comments, reported by the Mehr news agency, underscore Tehran’s defiance amid continued US pressure and highlight Iran’s insistence on maintaining its nuclear rights within international norms.

Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz for several hours on Tuesday, according to the country’s state media. The closure was described as a partial shutdown of one of the world’s most critical oil export routes. It remains unclear whether the strait has fully resumed normal operations following the temporary restriction.

State media reported that the measure was taken to ensure the safety of maritime traffic during a military exercise conducted by Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the area. The drills coincided with the temporary closure, which officials characterized as a precautionary step.

The Strait of Hormuz holds major strategic importance for global trade and energy supply, as a significant portion of Middle Eastern oil exports pass through this narrow waterway to reach international markets.