Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran has been one of the main victims of global terrorism since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Speaking during a provincial visit on Thursday, he said numerous Iranian officials have been killed in terrorist attacks over the years. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

The statement came in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusation that Iran is the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. Pezeshkian countered that if the situation were viewed fairly, it would be clear that Iran opposes terrorism and has suffered from it both regionally and globally.

Pezeshkian also reaffirmed that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, citing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious decree banning weapons of mass destruction issued in the early 2000s.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country will not pursue nuclear weapons, citing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious decree banning weapons of mass destruction. Pezeshkian emphasized that this decree clearly means Tehran will not develop nuclear arms. His remarks were reported as Iran and the United States prepare for indirect negotiations in Geneva.

The report notes that Khamenei issued the religious ban on nuclear weapons in the early 2000s. Both sides are expected to focus on diplomatic solutions during the Geneva meeting, though Washington has recently imposed new sanctions on Iran and continues to expand its military presence in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said before the talks that a fair and balanced agreement is within reach, reiterating that Iran is not building nuclear weapons but will not give up its right to peaceful nuclear technology.

Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of trying to restart its nuclear program following American strikes on Iranian facilities, warning that any attempt to rebuild nuclear arms would pose a problem for Washington.

Iranian security forces conducted an operation near the country’s southeastern border, killing three foreign nationals and arresting eight others accused of links to foreign intelligence agencies, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. Authorities did not disclose the nationalities of those killed or detained. Weapons seized from their hideout reportedly included RPG-7 launchers, U.S.-made M4 rifles with night-vision devices, AK-47 rifles with grenade launchers, and handguns.

Initial interrogations indicated that the detained suspects confessed to involvement in a recent attack on a police checkpoint in the central city of Kerman, which left three officers and one civilian dead. The operation took place shortly before indirect nuclear talks between Iran and other parties were set to begin in Geneva, mediated by Oman.

The report also noted that the United States has recently expanded its military presence in the Persian Gulf, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted several military drills in preparation for potential conflict.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has called on Iranians to secretly contact the agency if they possess skills or information of interest to the United States. According to a report by Middle East Monitor, the CIA released a video on social media platform X on Tuesday, lasting more than two minutes, in which a message in Farsi stated that the agency is ready to listen and assist. The video provided detailed instructions on how Iranians could communicate securely with the CIA.

The instructions advised avoiding the use of workplace computers and phones, recommending instead the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) or the Tor network for secure communication. The video was released at a time when the United States is increasing its military presence across the Middle East.

The development comes ahead of a third round of indirect talks between US and Iranian diplomats scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Several countries have also urged their citizens to leave Iran due to fears of possible US military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a deal with the United States to avoid war is now within reach. He made the remarks ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two countries in Geneva, Switzerland. Araghchi referred to ongoing threats of attack from U.S. President Donald Trump and said Tehran is moving toward a historic agreement, depending on how much Washington prioritizes diplomacy.

In a statement on social media, Araghchi reiterated that Iran will never produce nuclear weapons under any circumstances but maintains its right to benefit from peaceful nuclear technology. The upcoming Geneva meeting on Thursday marks the third round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, with Oman mediating the discussions. Muscat has expressed hope for positive progress toward finalizing the agreement.

Araghchi is leading the Iranian delegation, while the U.S. side is represented by White House special envoy Steve Utkov and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The United States and Iran are set to begin their third round of nuclear discussions in Geneva today, focusing on finding a diplomatic solution to ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. The talks come as Washington has recently imposed new sanctions on Tehran and continues to expand its military presence in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Wednesday and met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who is mediating the indirect negotiations scheduled for Thursday. Before departing for Geneva, Araghchi stated that a fair and balanced agreement was within reach, emphasizing that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons and will not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology.

Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of attempting to restart its nuclear program following American strikes on Iranian facilities. He reiterated that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and said President Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution but retains other options.

Iran and the United States are set to begin a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Wednesday and met Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi ahead of Thursday’s session. Both sides have expressed a preference for diplomacy, though Washington has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran’s oil sales and weapons programs. The talks come as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, destroyers, and fighter jets.

The negotiations follow earlier rounds in Oman and Geneva, where only a tentative understanding on broad principles was reached. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles, while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear technology and rejects US allegations. Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would trigger retaliation across the region.

Analysts note that major gaps remain over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief, leaving uncertainty about whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran.

Iran and China are close to finalizing a major defense agreement under which Tehran will purchase China’s CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. According to international intelligence sources and six officials cited in the report, the missile can strike targets up to 290 kilometers away while flying at low altitude to evade defense systems. Military analyst Danny Citrinowicz said the weapon could redefine warfare in the Middle East and pose a serious challenge to U.S. naval forces.

The talks accelerated after a brief clash between Israel and Iran last June. Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Masoud Orai visited Beijing for final negotiations. If completed, this would mark the most advanced Chinese military technology transferred to Iran. Tehran is also in talks with China to acquire advanced air defense and anti-satellite systems, viewing these moves as essential to protecting its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have heightened military readiness. Twelve F-22 Raptor stealth jets landed at Israel’s Ovda Air Base, a move linked to concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional threats. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks with the U.S. in Geneva could help avoid conflict, reaffirming Iran’s stance against developing nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Tehran is prepared to take any necessary step to reach an agreement with the United States. Both countries are preparing for renewed negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. The talks will include US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner meeting with the Iranian delegation.

The United States has continued discussions with Iran while also issuing threats of possible attacks. In response, Iran warned it would retaliate against American bases in the region if the US takes military action. Ravanchi emphasized that Iran is ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible and will approach the Geneva talks with sincerity and good faith.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that President Trump’s first preference is diplomacy but that he remains willing to use force if necessary. She added that any attack or aggression against Iran would be met with a response according to US defense plans.

A military helicopter belonging to Iran’s army crashed into a fruit market in the central province of Isfahan on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four people, according to state media reports. The incident occurred in the city of Dorche, where the aircraft caught fire after impact. Among the victims were the pilot, co-pilot, and two local businessmen. Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene and managed to bring the fire under control.

The report added that this accident follows another aviation incident last week, when an American-made F-4 Phantom fighter jet of Iran’s regular air force crashed in the western province of Hamadan, killing one pilot. The two consecutive crashes have drawn attention to recent safety issues involving Iran’s military aircraft fleet.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of the helicopter crash or the condition of the crash site beyond the initial response.

The Iranian government has stated that university students have the right to protest but must not cross certain 'red lines.' The statement came on Tuesday as the government’s first official response after student demonstrations resumed across several campuses over the weekend. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said that sacred matters and the national flag are examples of these red lines, which must be protected and never violated, even in moments of intense anger.

Mohajerani indicated that the government recognizes students’ right to express their opinions. However, she emphasized that maintaining respect for the state’s core values, religious sanctity, and national symbols is everyone’s responsibility. Her remarks were seen as an attempt to balance acknowledgment of student rights with a warning to preserve national and religious boundaries.

Analysts interpret the government’s comments as an effort to calm tensions following the recent wave of campus protests.

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.