Iran–US Tensions
Live Updates: Middle East tensions have escalated to a critical flashpoint, with President Donald Trump confirming he is considering “limited military strikes” against Iran if upcoming nuclear negotiations collapse.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a high-stakes diplomatic round in Geneva this Thursday, Trump issued a sharp ultimatum: Tehran "better negotiate a fair deal" or face the consequences of a massive regional military build-up.
The situation on the ground is shifting rapidly. The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Beirut, citing "prudent" safety concerns over potential Iranian retaliation. Meanwhile, the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean to join the USS Abraham Lincoln marks a rare dual-carrier deployment, signalling Washington's readiness for a sustained air campaign.
What's the current situation?
- The Geneva ultimatum: Indirect talks are set to resume on February 26. Washington is demanding "zero enrichment", while Tehran is drafting a counter-proposal focused on "mutual respect" and sanctions relief.
- Military 'crescendo': With the USS Gerald R. Ford now in position, the US has assembled its largest concentration of air and naval power in the region since 2003.
- Iran's warning: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Foreign Ministry have dismissed the "limited strike" concept, warning that any aggression will be met "ferociously" and that US assets are now "legitimate targets".
- Diplomatic exodus: Beyond the US embassy drawdown in Lebanon, other nations, including India, have issued urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Iran as the risk of kinetic conflict grows.
- Internal pressure: These tensions coincide with a resurgence of anti-government protests at Iranian universities, complicating Tehran's negotiating position.
Our Global Desk is verifying reports of maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz and monitoring live statements from US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Stay tuned for real-time alerts, satellite imagery analysis, and diplomatic breakthroughs.