US Iran News Updates: Iran FM says nuclear deal 'within reach' ahead of US talks

Iran FM says nuclear deal 'within reach' ahead of US talks -- AFP

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted large-scale military drills along its southern coast involving drones, missiles and naval assets, amid rising tensions with the US over nuclear talks and increased American naval deployments in the region.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi warned that Israeli strikes could hit key infrastructure, including the airport, if tensions with Iran escalate, as fighting intensifies and diplomatic efforts continue to shield civilian sites.

An Iranian Air Force helicopter crashed into a fruit market in Khomeynishahr, Isfahan province, killing four people. State media blamed a “technical malfunction” for the deadly incident.

Iran says students may protest but must respect “red lines”, as renewed campus rallies revive deadly unrest and scrutiny.

US President Donald Trump has pushed back against media reports suggesting that General Daniel Caine advised Washington against military action targeting Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the reports as "100 per cent incorrect," saying they failed to cite any credible source. He said General Caine - sometimes referred to as "Razin" - shares the broader desire to avoid war but believes that if military action were ordered, it would be decisively successful. Trump said the general has not argued against confronting Iran, nor has he discussed the possibility of limited strikes in the manner portrayed by some reports. He added that coverage surrounding a potential conflict with Iran has been inaccurate and deliberately misleading.

Oil prices hovered below an almost seven-month high on Tuesday as traders gauged the outlook for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks amid heightened Middle East tensions, while also weighing uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. Brent crude futures eased 9 cents, or 0.1%, to $71.40 a barrel by 0120 GMT, following a volatile session on Monday that saw it hit the highest level since July 31 at $72.50 while swinging between gains and losses of more than 1%. U.S. crude futures were down 11 cents, or 0.2%, at $66.20 a barrel. That's after rising to $67.28 in the previous session, the highest since August 4. "Crude oil markets remained on edge as U.S.-Iran talks resume this week," Daniel Hynes, an analyst at ANZ, said in a research report. - Reuters

President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that the top US military officer had flagged the risks of a major operation against Iran, saying Washington would "easily" beat Tehran in any war. US media reported that General Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, had warned of various risks associated with strikes against Iran including a long-term entanglement. But Trump said on his Truth Social network that it was "100 percent incorrect" that Caine was "against us going to war with Iran." "General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won," Trump wrote. - AFP

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered a forceful message, stating that the group stands ready to confront any aggression and will uphold what he described as its legitimate right to defend Lebanon's territory.

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating former leaders, Qassem said the movement is prepared for "either outcome - victory or martyrdom," highlighting resilience despite intensifying regional pressures. He also criticised U.S. President Donald Trump, taking aim at his "Peace Through Strength" approach.

His comments come against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with senior Iranian military officials issuing parallel remarks reinforcing a stance of deterrence.

President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that the top US military officer had flagged the risks of a major operation against Iran, saying Washington would "easily" beat Tehran in any war. -- AFP

The United States will resume nuclear talks with Iran on Thursday, a US official confirmed to AFP, as Washington continues its huge military build-up to put pressure on Tehran. The US official, speaking on Monday, did not give further details. Iran said on Sunday that the talks were expected to happen on Thursday in Geneva, as did regional mediator Oman.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned that any US attack would trigger broader escalation, as President Donald Trump boosts military deployments and threatens strikes unless Tehran agrees to nuclear-related demands.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio may delay his planned visit to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on potential strikes against Iran, as President Donald Trump boosts US military deployments and Tehran signals fresh nuclear negotiations.

The United States and Iran will resume nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, Oman confirmed, as Tehran faces US military pressure and domestic unrest, with diplomats signalling a possible path toward a negotiated deal.

Ali Larijani has emerged as a key figure in Iran’s power structure, reportedly entrusted by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with overseeing crisis planning and ensuring regime continuity in the event of war, major unrest or assassination attempts targeting senior leadership. Read more...

The Indian Embassy in Iran has released emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals following its advisory asking citizens to leave the country amid rising tensions.

The mobile numbers issued are: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359.

The embassy has also urged Indian citizens to register at https://www.meaers.com/request/home and remain in contact for further updates.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has warned that any US military action would be treated as an “act of aggression,” according to AFP. Dismissing the idea of a limited strike, Baqaei said, “there is no limited strike,” amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief has urged a “diplomatic solution” on Iran as negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain underway, AFP reported. Two rounds of talks have been completed, with the next meeting scheduled for February 26 in Geneva.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged Indian nationals to leave Iran using available commercial flights and other transport, citing the evolving security situation. The advisory follows concerns over a possible US strike on Iran, even as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.

The Embassy has asked citizens, including students, pilgrims, and businesspersons, to remain cautious and avoid protest-hit areas. Indian citizens and PIOs have also been advised to stay in touch with the Embassy and monitor local media for updates. (Read more)

The United States has intensified the movement of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and refuelling tankers to the Middle East as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme remain uncertain. Flight-tracking data show a steady flow of aircraft from US and European bases, forming what analysts describe as a digital “air bridge” across the Atlantic.

Advanced fighter jets, including F-16s, F-15Es and F-22s have been repositioned, alongside reconnaissance planes and airborne command platforms. The US Navy has also expanded its presence, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea.

The military buildup comes as President Donald Trump pushes for a stricter nuclear deal with Iran, while US officials signal forces are being positioned in case strikes are authorised.