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Summary
Domestic
Iran's government engaged in diplomatic efforts regarding its nuclear program, with officials stating a readiness to resume negotiations under specific conditions. President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized a preference for diplomacy but rejected pre-judged outcomes. A key proposal involved a willingness to dilute the stockpile of 60% enriched uranium contingent on the lifting of all sanctions, following a round of indirect talks with American officials in Geneva. The month also saw the celebration of the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, with officials reiterating Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology. Contradictory information emerged regarding the status of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the White House announcing his death while Iran's foreign minister stated he was alive. Domestically, opposition marches occurred within Iran and at international forums.
International
The United States and Iran resumed indirect nuclear talks in Oman, described by both sides as a good start. Donald Trump stated he would be indirectly involved and warned of consequences if no deal was reached, while Iran publicly ruled out stopping uranium enrichment. Trump later met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who urged a harder line, including the removal of all Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump stated that regime change in Iran "would be the best thing." Subsequently, the U.S. and Israel carried out a major military attack on Iran, with Trump confirming U.S. involvement and calling on Iranian citizens to "take over your government." The strikes prompted international warnings of a regional war and condemnations from several countries. In a separate diplomatic development, Iran designated EU naval and air forces as terrorist organizations in retaliation for the EU labeling the IRGC as such.
Domestic and International Topics
55 topics | 6071 sources
USThe United States and Iran held a series of high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva, with no deal announced at their conclusion. U.S. officials brought tough demands, and Trump stated he was 'not happy' with the progress but would give the talks more time, while also warning Iran that 'bad things' would happen if no deal was made. A major U.S. military deployment, including a second aircraft carrier sent to the Middle East, occurred alongside the negotiations. Separately, U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were also held in Geneva. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for a trilateral summit with the U.S. and Russia, while Russian officials described the discussions as difficult. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was involved in the Iran talks, and Senator Marco Rubio planned a trip to Israel to discuss them.
person:trumpperson:zelenskyyperson:putinorg:unorg:osceorg:natotopic:uraniumtopic:oil
Feb 1 — Feb 28
IRThe United States and Israel launched a major military attack on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was coordinated with the U.S. Trump announced the strikes, calling them 'massive' combat operations. Trump and senior Israeli officials said Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes. Netanyahu said there were 'many signs' Khamenei was 'no longer' alive. Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in the Middle East in retaliation for the attacks. Flights across the region were halted. The status of Khamenei remained unconfirmed by Iranian state media. The attacks occurred amid ongoing diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program. A second U.S. aircraft carrier was ordered to the Middle East.
person:khameneiperson:trumpperson:netanyahuorg:irgcorg:ardorg:ustopic:uraniumtopic:nuclear deal
Feb 28
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President Donald Trump. The main topics were the ongoing U.S. negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and the situation in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed skepticism about a potential deal with Iran, while Trump said he had insisted diplomacy continue. Trump also commented on Israeli domestic politics, saying President Isaac Herzog should be 'ashamed' for not yet granting Netanyahu a pardon related to the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. Herzog responded by stating Israel is a sovereign state and no decision had been made. Netanyahu's office denied he had asked Trump to pressure Herzog. Netanyahu also signed Israel onto a U.S.-led initiative called the 'Board of Peace,' which is focused on Gaza reconstruction. He stated that Israel and the U.S. agree Gaza should not be rebuilt before it is disarmed. Hamas officials rejected Netanyahu's calls for disarmament and a regional alliance.
person:netanyahuperson:trumpperson:herzogorg:hamasorg:idforg:aipactopic:uraniumtopic:weapons
Feb 7 — Feb 28
Iranian officials have stated they are prepared to resume negotiations over their nuclear program, but they are setting clear conditions. President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized that Iran prefers to resolve issues through diplomacy, but they will not accept pre-judged outcomes or negotiate under pressure. A key proposal from Iran's nuclear chief is that the country is willing to dilute its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, but only if all sanctions against Iran are lifted. A second round of indirect talks between Iranian and American officials recently concluded in Geneva, with discussions focusing on the details of lifting sanctions and nuclear commitments.
person:pezeshkianperson:araghchiperson:trumporg:iaeatopic:uraniumtopic:nuclear talkstopic:peace talkstopic:nuclear deal
Feb 3 — Feb 23
Trump has publicly stated he is 'not happy' with the progress of nuclear talks with Iran and has not yet made a decision on whether to launch a military strike. He has also questioned, through his envoy Steve Witkoff, why Iran has not 'capitulated' despite a significant U.S. military buildup in the region. In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is planning a trip to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Iran, Lebanon, and a Gaza peace plan. Rubio has also briefed senior members of Congress on the situation. Netanyahu has reportedly expressed concern about Trump's approach to Iran. Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran are continuing in Geneva, with an Omani official expressing hope for 'decisive progress' in the coming days. Trump has pressed Iran to make a 'meaningful' deal and appears to have set a 10-day deadline for progress.
person:trumpperson:rubioperson:netanyahutopic:diplomacytopic:talksplace:israelplace:geneva
Feb 28
President Donald Trump and a senior Israeli official stated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during strikes. The White House reportedly confirmed the death. Iran's foreign minister responded by saying Khamenei is alive 'as far as I know.' Some reports indicate Khamenei had a succession plan in place, and some Iranians were seen celebrating the strikes that reportedly targeted his palace.
person:khameneiperson:trumptopic:nuclear weapons
Feb 28
Iran celebrated the 47th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution with large domestic rallies where officials made defiant statements about Iran's rights. International events marking the anniversary were held in Pakistan, India, Russia, and Malaysia, showing global recognition of the occasion.
person:pezeshkianperson:mattarellaorg:untopic:nuclear talksplace:iran
Feb 15 — Feb 23
The United States and Israel carried out a significant joint military attack on Iran. Multiple headlines describe the strikes as underway or historic, with targets reported in Tehran. World leaders and international bodies, including Russia and the European Union, warned the action could plunge the Middle East into a wider war. Turkey's President Erdogan said the region faces a 'ring of fire,' and the EU began withdrawing personnel. Donald Trump, who confirmed the US operation, called on Iranian citizens to 'take over your government' from the resort of Mar-a-Lago.
person:trumporg:ardtopic:international lawplace:middle eastplace:tehran
Feb 28
Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps say the European Union's decision to label the IRGC as a terrorist organization is part of a coordinated campaign of harassment with the United States and Israel. They say the move aligns with US interventionist policies. Separately, multiple reports discuss a US focus on regime change in Iran. The CIA reportedly assessed that if Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were killed, he could be replaced by hardline IRGC officials. President Trump has stated that regime change in Iran would be a positive development.
person:trumpperson:rubioperson:khameneiorg:irgcorg:ciatopic:regime change
Feb 28
EUIran officially designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organizations in response to the EU's decision to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. In protest, Iran summoned the ambassadors of all EU countries.
org:irgcorg:eutopic:sanctionstopic:terror designationtopic:terror listplace:tehran
Feb 19 — Feb 21