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Iran

February 17, 2026

Tehran 7:34 pm

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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivers a speech during a session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, on the sideline of a second round of US-Iranian talks with Washington pushing Tehran to make a deal to limit its nuclear program, in Geneva, on Feb. 17, 2026.

Breaking | Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:34 am

Iran FM says agreement on 'guiding principles' reached in talks with US

The latest round of negotiations came after President Donald Trump warned of potential consequences for Iran should no agreement be reached.

Small boats loaded with merchandise sail past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in the northern Musandam Peninsula, Oman, June 25, 2025.

Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks

The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi on a flight to Muscat, Oman, to participate in talks with the US over Tehran's nuclear program, Feb. 5, 2026.

Analysis

Inside Iran's negotiating team: Araghchi, Takht-Ravanchi pursue tactical engagement

As cautious diplomacy between Tehran and Washington inches forward following the first round in Oman, attention is turning to the men tasked with navigating one of the Middle East's most consequential negotiations.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Iranian protesters block a street as a slogan against Iran's supreme leader is spray-painted nearby during a demonstration in Shiraz, Iran, on Jan. 10, 2026.

Analysis

How Iran harnesses digital repression, China tech ties to quash dissent

Though Iran’s street protests have largely subsided, the struggle has shifted to the digital front, where a complex infrastructure of servers, satellites and centralized controls is being used to stifle dissent.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

Why Trump is betting on military leaders for Iran negotiations

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, (C) Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), (L) and Jared Kushner listen as US Vice President JD Vance speaks.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

Despite Israeli concerns, sources say Trump giving Iran talks up to 2 months

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Netanyahu 'skeptical' as Trump doubles down on Iran diplomacy

US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iran fires TV director over 'Death to Khamenei' blunder: What to know

TOPSHOT - An Iranian crosses a street next to a billboard bearing the portrait of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a quote reads in Persian 'Sing Oh Iran' at the Enqelab Square in Tehran on July, 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Benjamin Houghton

In Durham, reporting on China in the Middle East

Rahim Rahimov

In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties

Mehrnaz Samimi

In Washington, DC, reporting on Iranian culture

Bavar missiles are displayed during the annual military parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of Iran's 1980-1988 war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, in Tehran on Sept. 21, 2024.

Analysis

Two months on, Iran’s ‘inevitable’ retaliation against Israel stalls, fueling frustration

The Islamic Republic is facing questions about its regional strength, and ferocious criticism from its loyalists, as it rethinks a promised response to Israel's October missile attack amid massive defense setbacks and fears of a yet more devastating cycle of escalation.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

A banner depicting Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stands next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square, Tehran, Sept. 26, 2024.

Analysis

Were Israel's Yemen strikes trial run for major attack on Iran?

Some analysts consider the large-scale attack on Yemeni sites a test run for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, but others now view destabilizing the mullahs as the best approach.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) shakes hands with D-8 Secretary General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, Cairo, Dec. 19, 2024.

Iran president pays rare visit to Egypt in latest sign of thawing ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to Cairo to attend a summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.

bank

Iran's power shortages force schools to close, fuel public anger: What we know

Iran experienced a fourth day of closures on Wednesday due to power shortages, leading to public anger and coinciding with a historic drop in the value of its currency.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks on during a meeting between the top diplomats of Iraq, Syria and Iran at the Iraqi Foreign Ministry in Baghdad on Dec. 6, 2024.

Iran’s Araghchi in Egypt as Tehran seeks to recover from regional blows

Iran is hoping the Cairo summit will serve as an opportunity for rapprochement with Egypt and a venue to pursue its diplomatic campaign against Israel.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei spoke in Tehran about recent developments in region on Dec. 11, 2024.

Analysis

Despite Assad's departure, Iran sees opportunity in Syria power play

Iran's supreme leader does not appear ready to lose sight of Syria despite Assad's downfall, seeking to capitalize on the rifts within Syria's diverse political and sectarian fabric.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

People chant slogans and wave flags in celebration after performing the first Friday prayer since the fall of the Assad regime at the Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 13, 2024 in Damascus, Syria.

Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know

Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon.

JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Israel builds flexible presence in Syria as window opens to strike Iran

Israeli leaders keep stressing that the military presence in the buffer zone and on Mount Hermon is temporary, but a lot will depend on who will control Syria hence on

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

This handout image supplied by the IIPA shows a view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on Aug. 21, 2010.

Iran agrees to stricter nuclear monitoring as US raises concerns

After a report claimed Iran has been significantly increasing its production of highly enriched uranium, the country reportedly agreed to comply with stricter monitoring by the UN's nuclear watchdog.

TOPSHOT - An aerial picture shows members of Syria's White Helmets civil defence service clearing vehicle carcasses and rubble from a street in Aleppo on December 5, 2024. Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country's commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Iran pursues wait-and-see approach in Syria as it copes with Assad's downfall

With one of its key regional allies gone, the Iranian establishment is anxiously reviewing its policy in an uncertain Syrian landscape.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

The US Treasury Department building in Washington, DC, Jan. 19, 2023.

Analysis

German firm's $14.5M fine not a deterrent for violating Iran sanctions

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control levied the penalty against Aiotec GmbH, an industrial equipment–sourcing company.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

An anti-regime fighter tears off a poster depicting Syrian President Bachar al-Assad (L) and his brother Maher at the airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Dec. 2, 2024.

Analysis

Iran promises to do everything for Assad, but how far can it go?

Caught off guard by the recent rebel offensive in Syria, Iran is campaigning to galvanize regional political support for President Bashar al-Assad in what appears to be a race against time amid the Syrian army's fast-crumbling lines of resistance.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics