As tensions escalate ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Iran has intensified its military posturing by conducting live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. These military exercises coincide with U.S.-Iran talks set to resume on February 17, 2026. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has a wealth of experience in nuclear negotiations, emphasized the need for both sides to make concessions to avoid regional conflict. He stated he is in Geneva with 'real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal' but reiterated that 'submission before threats' is not an option (The Guardian, February 16, 2026). Notably, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, remarked that the U.S. position on Iran's nuclear program has become 'more realistic' ahead of the negotiations, which are mediated by Oman (Dawn, February 16, 2026).
DIPLOMACY
Iran Conducts Military Drills Amid US Nuclear Talks in Geneva
As U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume in Geneva, Iran's military drills heighten tensions. Both sides seek concessions, but U.S. demands on missiles complicate negotiations amid regional stakes.
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The Guardian
Updated 5h agoDA
Dawn
Updated 6h agoIran says US ‘more realistic’ on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz StraitFEB 16, 6:30 PMRead →Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with USFEB 15, 2:36 PMRead →Iran open to nuclear deal compromises if US discusses lifting sanctions, minister tells BBCFEB 15, 8:30 AMRead →Swiss say Oman to host US-Iran talks in Geneva next weekFEB 14, 5:30 PMRead →
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Updated 7h agoTH
The Hindu
Updated 8h agoIran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva for talks as IRGC begins live-fire drills near Strait of HormuzFEB 16, 4:35 PMRead →Iran meets U.N. nuclear watchdog in Geneva ahead of a second round of U.S. talksFEB 16, 12:33 PMRead →Iran Foreign Minister in Geneva for second round of U.S. talksFEB 16, 7:29 AMRead →Netanyahu says U.S. deal with Iran must dismantle nuclear infrastructureFEB 15, 10:42 PMRead →Iran open to compromises to reach nuclear deal with U.S.: MinisterFEB 15, 10:53 AMRead →U.S., Iran to hold new round of nuclear talks in Geneva this week, Swiss government saysFEB 14, 10:36 PMRead →Separate talks on Iran and Ukraine-Russia set for Tuesday in Geneva, source saysFEB 14, 2:23 AMRead →
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Updated 12h agoIran meets UN nuclear watchdog in Geneva ahead of a second round of US talksFEB 16, 12:29 PMRead →Iran’s top diplomat to attend 'indirect' talks with US in Geneva, state-run IRNA news agency saysFEB 15, 7:25 PMRead →Iran’s top diplomat to attend 'indirect' talks with US in Geneva, state-run IRNA news agency saysFEB 15, 4:29 PMRead →US, Iran to hold new round of nuclear talks in Geneva this week, Swiss gov. saysFEB 14, 7:50 PMRead →
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Updated 12h agoIran says US 'more realistic' on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz StraitFEB 16, 12:24 PMRead →Netanyahu says any US-Iran deal must dismantle Tehran’s nuclear infrastructureFEB 16, 1:18 AMRead →Iran open to compromises to reach nuclear deal with US, minister tells BBCFEB 15, 2:21 AMRead →Iran says regional countries can resolve issues together, rejects need for external guardianshipFEB 14, 7:50 AMRead →
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