03-02-2026

Iran-US Tensions Ease with Diplomatic Talks Planned

Date: 03-02-2026
Sources: cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 2 | washingtonpost.com: 1
Image for cluster 5
Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a chaotic nighttime scene with a large fire and a crowd of people gathered around it. 1. The main subject or scene shown is a protest or riot with a large fire burning on the street. 2. The image shows a crowd of people standing on the street, some of whom are wearing masks, and a large fire with flames and smoke. A car is visible in the foreground, and several buildings and trees are seen in the background. 3. The news-worthy elements visible in the image include the large fire, the crowd of people, and the presence of masked individuals, suggesting a potentially volatile or protest-related situation. A crowd of people is gathered around a large fire on a street at night, with a car visible in the foreground and buildings in the background. The atmosphere appears tense and chaotic. Flames and smoke are visible.

Summary

Tensions between Iran and the US remain high, but diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a conflict, with Iran agreeing to conditional nuclear talks with the US in Istanbul, amidst warnings from both sides of potential consequences.

Key Points

  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a 'regional war' if the US attacks, while US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention in response to Iran's crackdown on protests.
  • Iran has conditionally agreed to resume nuclear talks with the US, with meetings planned in Istanbul between Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi and US Special Representative Steve Witkoff.
  • The situation remains volatile, with Iran planning live-fire military drills in the Strait of Hormuz and the US warning against disrupting commercial traffic or threatening American warships.
  • The protests in Iran have resulted in significant casualties, with reports suggesting over 6,700 deaths and 49,500 detentions.
  • Oscar-nominated screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian was arrested in Iran for criticizing the regime's violent crackdown on protesters.

Articles in this Cluster

U.S. regional allies push diplomatic offramp as Iran's supreme leader warns of "regional war" in Middle East if U.S. attacks - CBS News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned of a 'regional war' in the Middle East if the US attacks, following US President Donald Trump's threats to intervene militarily in response to Iran's crackdown on recent nationwide protests. US regional allies, including Turkey and Qatar, are working to arrange a diplomatic offramp to avert US military action. The situation remains tense, with Iran planning live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The US has warned against disrupting commercial traffic or threatening American warships during the drills. The protests in Iran have resulted in significant casualties, with reports suggesting over 6,700 deaths and 49,500 detentions.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Iran, United States, TurkeyTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran conditionally agrees to nuclear talks with US, first since Trump’s military strikes last summer | CNNClose icon

Iran has conditionally agreed to resume nuclear talks with the US, the first such negotiations since the Trump administration bombed three of Iran's nuclear sites last summer. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Iran is pursuing negotiations with conditions, following requests from friendly governments in the region. The talks are expected to take place in Istanbul on Friday, with Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi meeting US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Tensions have soared in recent weeks, with the US sending a 'carrier strike group' to the region and renewing threats to strike Iran again if it does not agree to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Regional leaders have been working to find a diplomatic solution to avoid conflict.
Entities: Iran, United States, Masoud Pezeshkian, Abbas Araghchi, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran signals nuclear talks with Trump amid violent protest crackdown | Fox News

The article discusses Iran's intensified rhetoric towards the region and its violent crackdown on protesters at home, while simultaneously signaling a willingness to negotiate with the US. Iran has issued warnings that any military strike on its territory would ignite a regional conflict, even as senior officials indicate a potential for renewed nuclear talks with the US, possibly mediated by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Reports from inside Iran indicate an intensifying crackdown on protesters, with varying casualty estimates.
Entities: Iran, US, Donald Trump, Turkey, Saudi ArabiaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei makes first public appearance in weeks | Fox News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance in weeks, with state media releasing images of him praying at the tomb of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Opposition groups claim the images were staged to boost the morale of the regime's weakening security forces, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has been under strain after suppressing nationwide protests, and the European Parliament's call to designate it as a terrorist organization has sparked a show of solidarity from Iranian lawmakers. Khamenei warned of a 'regional war' if the US attacks Iran, while President Trump stated that if Iran doesn't reach a deal on its nuclear program, 'we'll find out' if Khamenei's warning is credible.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran, United States, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)Tone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran heads for make or break this week over averting war with US | World News | Sky News

The article discusses the escalating tensions between Iran and the US, with the next seven days being crucial in determining whether the situation will lead to conflict or a diplomatic breakthrough. President Trump has deployed significant naval firepower off the coast of Iran, while Iran's Supreme Leader has warned of a 'regional conflict' if the US attacks. The Iranian government is facing economic crisis and massive protests, and is unlikely to give in to US demands on its nuclear program. The situation is volatile, with airstrikes seeming increasingly likely, and the consequences of a misstep potentially far-reaching.
Entities: Iran, US, President Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, AmericaTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Oscar-nominated screenwriter arrested in Iran days after criticising regime | World News | Sky News

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian has been arrested in Iran days after signing a statement criticizing the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on protesters. Mahmoudian co-wrote the script for the Iranian drama 'It Was Just An Accident', which is nominated for best screenplay and best international film at the upcoming Academy Awards. The arrest comes as the film's director, Jafar Panahi, who also signed the statement, condemned Mahmoudian's detention, calling him 'a pillar' to other prisoners and 'a rare moral presence'. The statement, signed by Mahmoudian and 16 others, described the regime's actions as 'an organised state crime against humanity'. The arrest has sparked concern ahead of the Academy Awards in March.
Entities: Mehdi Mahmoudian, Iran, It Was Just An Accident, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, TehranTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

U.S. and Iran plan talks in Istanbul, as Trump warns of ‘bad things’ - The Washington Post

The U.S. and Iran are planning talks in Istanbul to discuss a nuclear deal aimed at preventing an imminent U.S. military attack. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to lead the discussions. The negotiations come as President Trump warns of 'bad things' happening if a deal is not reached.
Entities: Steve Witkoff, Abbas Araghchi, Istanbul, United States, IranTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform