Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says he has directed his foreign minister to pursue negotiations only if they are “free from threats” ahead of the first meeting with Donald Trump’s envoy in Turkey.
The comments called for “fair and equitable negotiations” on Iran's nuclear programme, and represent the first clear and direct sign from Tehran's leadership that it is open to talks.
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff is due to meet Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday for talks over a new nuclear deal. It would be the first meeting between senior US and Iranian officials since Tehran’s 12-day war with Israel and the US last June, which saw Washington bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Trump said late on Monday that the process of diplomatic negotiations with Iran was ongoing, even as he warned that “bad things” would happen if it failed.
The US president said the “biggest and the best” ships are heading to Iran right now and he will "see how it works out" when asked if Washington would take military action.
Key Points
- Iran says it will ‘pursue fair and equitable negotiations’ with US
- Trump warns of 'bad things' if negotiations fail
- Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is underway
- Khamenei warns of ‘regional war’ if Trump attacks Iran
- Four killed in gas explosion in western Iran: state media
- Iran says it now considers all EU militaries to be terrorist groups
Comment: In Iran, no one can breathe in this atmosphere of fear
07:36 , Shweta SharmaWhen an authoritarian regime cannot punish the forces that exposed its weakness, it punishes the citizens who remind it of that humiliation instead, writes Hossein Dabbagh:
UAE calls on Iran to reach nuclear deal with US
07:15 , Shweta SharmaThe Middle East does not need another confrontation between the US and Iran, and Tehran should reach a nuclear deal with Washington, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said today.
Speaking at a panel at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Gargash said the region had already endured a series of “calamitous confrontations” and warned against further escalation.
“I don’t think we need another one, but I would like to see direct Iranian-American negotiations leading to understandings so that we don’t face these issues every other day,” he said.
His comments came as Iran and the United States said they would resume nuclear talks on Friday in Turkey.
Iran says ‘war room’ is active and forces are ready to respond to any attack
07:00 , Shweta SharmaIran’s Revolutionary Guard aerospace commanders told lawmakers on Monday that the country’s “war room” is active and its forces are ready to respond immediately to any hostile action, according to a parliamentary spokesman.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said a senior commander briefed the panel on regional developments, military deployments and the broader security situation.
The commander said Iran has extensive intelligence coverage of its adversaries and is closely monitoring their movements, with operational plans in place for any potential confrontation.
The briefing warned that any US attack would trigger a wider regional conflict, which the commander described as “the greatest advantage for us,” Rezaei said, adding that US military and economic interests across the region are within Iran’s operational range.
Commanders also cited Iran’s performance during a recent 12-day conflict, claiming its forces penetrated Israel’s missile defence systems with a success rate of more than 50%. They said Iran’s offensive and missile capabilities have since improved and exceed what has been publicly disclosed.
Rezaei said the briefing concluded that any hostile act would be met with a “decisive, crushing and regret-inducing” response, in line with orders from the Supreme Leader.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Egypt to attend talks in Istanbul
06:45 , Shweta SharmaOfficials from several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt, are expected to attend a meeting in Istanbul on Friday, where Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff, Reuters reported, citing a senior regional diplomat.
Axios earlier reported that the Araghchi–Witkoff meeting would take place as part of efforts to explore a potential nuclear deal, a report later confirmed by Reuters citing a senior Iranian official.
Iran’s president has said he has directed his foreign minister to "pursue fair and equitable negotiations" in his meeting with Trump's envoy.
“The president has been calling for them to make a deal. The meeting is to hear what they have to say,” a US official told Reuters.
Recap: Britain unveils new sanctions against regime
06:30 , Shweta SharmaBritain on Monday imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Iranian officials and a state security body, targeting those it says enabled violent crackdowns on recent peaceful protests.
The foreign office announced sanctions on ten individuals and one organisation, the Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FARAJA), for “their role in recent brutality against protesters”.
The measures impose an asset freeze, a director disqualification sanction, and a travel ban on those designated.
“The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest," foreign minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement.
Iran says it will ‘pursue fair and equitable negotiations’ with US
05:56 , Shweta SharmaIran’s president says he has directed his foreign minister to "pursue fair and equitable negotiations" in his meeting with Trump's envoy.
Writing on X, Masoud Pezeshkian said in English and Farsi that the decision came after "requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal by the President of the United States for negotiations."
"I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists – one free from threats and unreasonable expectations – to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency," he said.
The comments mark a major turn for Pezeshkian, who has warned Iranians for weeks that the turmoil in his country had gone beyond his control.
It also signals that the president received support from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the talks, something that the 86-year-old cleric had previously dismissed.
Iran fears US strike may reignite protests, imperil rule, sources say
05:00 , Shweta SharmaIran’s leadership fears that a US military strike could shatter its grip on power by driving an already furious public back onto the streets, following last month’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, according to six current and former officials.
In high-level meetings, officials warned supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that public anger has reached a point where fear is no longer a deterrent, and that even a limited US strike could embolden protesters and inflict lasting damage on the political system.
"An attack combined with demonstrations by angry people could lead to a collapse (of the ruling system). That is the main concern among the top officials and that is what our enemies want," said one official told Reuters.
Another former senior official said the mood in the country had shifted since the crackdown. “People are extremely angry. The wall of fear has collapsed,” he said.
Officials said many Iranians were prepared to confront security forces again, raising concerns that foreign pressure combined with renewed protests could trigger widespread unrest or even collapse.
While the streets remain quiet for now, insiders say grievances over repression, economic decline and corruption continue to simmer.
Iran signals willingness to suspend nuclear programme in talks with US - report
04:30 , Shweta SharmaIran is willing to shut down or suspend its nuclear programme, a major concession to calm the situation with the US, two officials told the New York Times.
The unnamed officials said envoy Steve Witkoff would meet with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and the two are communicating directly through text messages.
But Iran would still prefer a proposal that the US made last year, to create a regional consortium to produce nuclear power, over shutting down its nuclear programme.
The officials said Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, had recently met Russian president Vladimir Putin to deliver a message from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Iran could agree to ship its enriched uranium to Russia, as it did under the 2015 agreement.
When asked about it, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, said on Monday that “the topic has long been on the agenda,” adding that “Russia continues its efforts and contacts with all interested parties.”
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is for energy generation, not weapons, and Mr Araghchi has said the country remains open to negotiations.
“We have never lost the opportunity to get the rights of Iranian people through diplomacy,” he told foreign ministry staff in a video shared on Monday on social media.
Trump warns of 'bad things' if negotiations fail
04:00 , Shweta SharmaUS president Donald Trump said Monday that talks with Iran were ongoing amid high tensions.
“We have ships heading to Iran right now, big ones – the biggest and the best – and we have talks going on with Iran and we’ll see how it all works out,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
“If we can work something out, that would be great and if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.
“I’d like to see a deal negotiated. I don’t know that that’s going to happen,” he added.
Iranian protester found dead with bullet wounds after days missing
03:45 , Shweta SharmaAn Iranian protester who went missing earlier last month has been found dead in the cold storage of a cemetery, according to Iran International.
Reza Bahmani Alijanvand, 34, was allegedly shot dead by security forces, with bullets hitting his lower back and abdomen, it reported, citing sources.
His family searched hospitals, police stations and prisons across Isfahan province for five days before finding his body in cold storage at Bagh-e Rezvan cemetery on 13 January.
Authorities initially refused to release the body and sought to declare him a “martyr” – a move rejected by the family – before he was buried under heavy security in the early hours of 15 January in his hometown of Masjed Soleyman, with only five relatives present.
Last month, Iran International reported that more than 36,500 people were killed by security forces during the 8-9 January crackdown on nationwide protests.
Iran’s top diplomat signals openness to nuclear talks with Washington
03:30 , Shweta SharmaIran’s top diplomat has said the government is ready to enter negotiations with the US as the two sides are reportedly preparing to dispatch senior envoys to Istanbul for high-stakes talks on Iran’s nuclear programme this week.
The comments come as US warships and aircraft have amassed in the region amid speculation over a possible strike on Iran.
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that talks could take place imminently.
“[Iran’s enemies] are talking about diplomacy today, even though Iran has always been ready for this option, provided there is mutual respect and consideration of interests,” he said
US president Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iranians were “seriously talking to us”, hinting at a potential deal to avert military action against Tehran. Asked on Monday about the prospects for an agreement, Trump told reporters at the White House that discussions were underway.
“We have ships heading to Iran right now, big ones – the biggest and the best – and we have talks going on with Iran and we’ll see how it all works out,” he said. “If we can work something out, that would be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.”
Watch: Trump fires back at Iranian supreme leader's 'regional war' warning
03:00 , Bryony GoochIranian protester reportedly released on bail after execution threat
02:00 , Bryony Gooch
Iranian protester Erfan Soltani reportedly released on bail after execution threat
Iran, US to hold nuclear talks on Friday as Trump warns Tehran
01:00 , Bryony GoochIran and the United States will resume nuclear talks on Friday in Turkey, Iranian and U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that with big U.S. warships heading to Iran, bad things would probably happen if a deal could not be reached.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will meet in Istanbul in an effort to revive diplomacy over a long-running dispute about Iran's nuclear programme and dispel fears of a new regional war, while a regional diplomat said representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt would also participate.
The Independent View: Donald Trump must proceed with caution on Iran
00:00 , James ReynoldsEditorial: A misstep by America in the Middle East could be catastrophic, so it needs to seek a resolution through negotiation:
Recap: Britain unveils new sanctions against regime
Monday 2 February 2026 23:00 , James ReynoldsBritain on Monday imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Iranian officials and a state security body, targeting those it says enabled violent crackdowns on recent peaceful protests.
The foreign office announced sanctions on ten individuals and one organisation, the Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FARAJA), for “their role in recent brutality against protestors”.
The measures impose an asset freeze, a director disqualification sanction, and a travel ban on those designated.
“The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest," foreign minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement.
Recap: US and Iran to resume nuclear talks on Friday
Monday 2 February 2026 22:00 , James ReynoldsIran and the United States will resume nuclear talks on Friday in Turkey, Iranian and U.S. officials said on Monday.
A regional diplomat said representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt would participate.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will meet in Istanbul in an effort to revive diplomacy over a long-running dispute about Iran's nuclear programme and dispel fears of a new regional war.
Turkey and other regional allies have sought de-escalation.
"Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt, as well as some other countries, will attend the Istanbul meeting. There will be bilateral, trilateral and other meetings," the diplomat told Reuters.
Trump says 'we will have good news soon' on ending war
Monday 2 February 2026 22:00 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump has said his administration might have some “good news” soon on its push to end the war in Ukraine.
US officials have been engaged in trilateral talks with Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi - the first such negotiations since the war began in February 2022.
"I think we're doing very well with Ukraine and Russia. For the first time, I'm saying that. I think we're going to, maybe, have some good news," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
What is the US demanding from nuclear talks?
Monday 2 February 2026 21:00 , James ReynoldsIranian sources told Reuters that Trump had demanded three conditions for resumption of talks:
- Zero enrichment of uranium in Iran;
- Limits on Tehran's ballistic missile programme;
- Ending its support for regional proxies.
Iran has long rejected all three demands as unacceptable infringements of its sovereignty, but two Iranian officials told the agency its clerical rulers saw the ballistic missile programme, rather than uranium enrichment, as the bigger obstacle.
How far along are Iran's repairs at key nuclear sites?
Monday 2 February 2026 20:00 , James ReynoldsIn June last year the United States struck Iranian nuclear targets, joining in at the close of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Since then, Tehran has said its uranium enrichment work has stopped.
Recent satellite imagery of two of the targeted sites, Isfahan and Natanz, appears to show some repair work since December, with new roofing over two previously destroyed buildings. No other rebuilding was visible, according to the imagery provided by Planet Labs and reviewed by Reuters.
Washington-based think tank ISIS said satellite images from late January showed construction work on tunnel entrances at Isfahan that could "indicate a preparation for additional military strikes" as was seen ahead of last year's U.S. strikes.
It could also signal the movement of assets from other facilities, it added.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump in December that Iran was reconstituting its sites. An initial assessment by US intelligence found the US strikes may have only set Iran’s work back by a few months.
Why is the US threatening Iran over its nuclear policy?
Monday 2 February 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsAfter five rounds of talks that have stalled since May 2023, several hard-to-bridge issues remained between Tehran and Washington.
These include Iran's insistence on maintaining uranium enrichment on its soil and refusal to ship abroad its entire existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has called on Iran repeatedly to say what happened to the highly enriched uranium stock since the June attacks.
Western countries fear Iran's uranium enrichment could yield material for a warhead. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for electricity generation and other civilian uses.
The Iranian sources said Tehran could ship its highly enriched uranium abroad and pause enrichment in a deal that should also include the lifting of economic sanctions.
Iran 'fears US strike could break the regime', despite public sabre-rattling
Monday 2 February 2026 18:42 , James ReynoldsIran’s leadership is increasingly worried a US strike could break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back onto the streets, following a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, according to six current and former officials.
In high-level meetings, officials told Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that public anger over last month's crackdown has reached a point where fear is no longer a deterrent, four current officials briefed on the discussions told Reuters.
Khamenei was allegedly told that many Iranians were prepared to confront security forces again and that external pressure such as a limited US strike could embolden them irreparably damage the regime.
"An attack combined with demonstrations by angry people could lead to a collapse. That is the main concern among the top officials and that is what our enemies want," said an official.
Comment: In Iran, no one can breathe in this atmosphere of fear
Monday 2 February 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsWhen an authoritarian regime cannot punish the forces that exposed its weakness, it punishes the citizens who remind it of that humiliation instead, writes Hossein Dabbagh:
Recap: Iranian protester Erfan Soltani reportedly released on bail
Monday 2 February 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsThe Iranian man threatened with execution over his alleged involvement in the antigovernment demonstrations in January has been released on bail, according to a report.
Erfan Soltani was released on bail on Saturday, his lawyer Amir Mousakhani said, adding that he “received all of his belongings including his cellphone”, according to reports.
His family paid a bail of two billion tomans (£9,200) to secure his release, Mr Mousakhani said. The news of his bail was also reported in Hengaw and Iranian media news outlets.
Read the full report:
Iranian protester Erfan Soltani reportedly released on bail after execution threat
Regional partners to join US-Iran summit in Istanbul, source says
Monday 2 February 2026 16:16 , James ReynoldsSteve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi, expected to meet in Istanbul on Friday, will be joined by regional partners, a senior diplomatic source in the area told Reuters.
Reps for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Egypt are expected to attend the meeting, the source said.
Witkoff and Araghchi to meet to discuss nuclear deal
Monday 2 February 2026 15:21 , James ReynoldsUS special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday in Istanbul to discuss a possible nuclear deal, Axios is reporting.
Witkoff to arrive in Israel on Tuesday to meet Netanyahu: WH official
Monday 2 February 2026 15:04 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump's senior envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Israel on Tuesday, a White House official said.
Witkoff will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid heightened regional tensions with Iran and as the Trump administration presses ahead with its plan to end the Gaza war.
UK imposes sanctions on Iranian officials over deadly crackdown
Monday 2 February 2026 15:02 , Maira ButtBritain has imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Iranian officials and a state security body who were involved in a brutal crackdown on protesters that has left thousands dead.
The UK foreign office sanctioned 10 individuals and a state security body for serious human rights violations including suppression of freedom of expression, restrictions on peaceful assembly and in some cases breaches of the right to life.
The measure imposes an asset freeze, director disqualification sanction and a travel ban on those affected.
“The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest,” foreign minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement on Monday.
“The reports and shocking scenes of violence that have been seen around the world are horrific,” she added.
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'We'll find out': Trump responds to Khamenei claims that US attack would spark regional conflict
Monday 2 February 2026 14:31 , Maira ButtDonald Trump has responded to comments from Iran’s leader that a US strike could cause a regional war, saying that if a deal wasn’t reached “we’ll find out whether or not he was right”.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned earlier on Sunday that any US attack would result in a "regional war" in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters in response to the comments, President Trump said: “We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there.
“Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
Omid Djalili: ‘Iranians will fight to the very end against this regime’
Monday 2 February 2026 14:00 , Maira ButtOn a late January afternoon, British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili arrived at The Independent’s offices wearing a navy blue military-style jacket.
“I’m dressed like Zelensky,” the 60-year-old says, in the playful manner seen in his stand-up comedy and acting roles in blockbuster films including “The Mummy” and “Gladiator”.
More recently, since the start of the protests in Iran, and the deadly crackdown by the Islamic regime, Djalili has been fighting for Iran’s freedom.
Djalili has given over his social media to the “voiceless”, as he describes them, the Iranians stuck in an internet blackout imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Caspar Barnes reports:
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Omid Djalili: ‘Iranians will fight to the very end against this regime’
Witkoff could meet Iranian foreign minister this week, say Reuters
Monday 2 February 2026 13:30 , Maira ButtAs Iran explores diplomatic avenues with the US, reports suggest that President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff could meet with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi this week.
A senior Iranian official and a Western diplomat told Reuters that the meeting could take place in Turkey within the coming day.
It comes amid news that Witkoff is visiting Israel this week for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump expresses optimism over US-Iran nuclear deal
Monday 2 February 2026 13:02 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump expressed hope that Iran and the US could come to an agreement on the use of nuclear power as he responded to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments about US military intervention sparking a regional war.
“We have the biggest most powerful ships in the world over there, very close,” he told reporters on Monday. “Couple of days and hopefully we’ll make a deal.”
Oscar-nominated screenwriter arrested in Iran for criticising brutal crackdown on protesters
Monday 2 February 2026 12:42 , Maira ButtAn Oscar-nominated Iranian screenwriter has been arrested after speaking out against the country’s brutal crackdown on protesters.
Mehdi Mahmoudian co-wrote It Was Just an Accident – a thriller about three Iranian political prisoners debating whether to take revenge on their tormentor – which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the 2026 Academy Awards.
The screenwriter and activist signed the letter along with 16 other people condemning the Iranian government’s “mass and systematic killing of citizens”.
Oscar-nominated screenwriter arrested in Iran for criticising government crackdown
EU rejects Iran's listing of armies as 'terror groups'
Monday 2 February 2026 12:19 , Maira ButtThe European Union has rejected Iran’s categorisation of EU armies as “terrorist groups”.
The designation came after the EU listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on its list of terrorist organisations.
“We reject the announcement of the listing of EU armies and the accusation of terrorism,” said European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni on Monday.
Iranian police arrest four foreigners over last month's unrest
Monday 2 February 2026 11:52 , Maira ButtIran’s authorities have arrested four people of foreign nationality over last month’s unrest, according to the country’s state media.
It quoted police as saying that the individuals had been arrested “in a raid inside their hideout”. Four homemade sound grenades are reported to have been found in one of their bags, according to reports.
US-based Human Rights Activists Agency said that nearly 50,000 people have been arrested so far in a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Full story: Iranian anti-government protester Erfan Soltani released on bail, lawyer says
Monday 2 February 2026 10:56 , Maira ButtAn Iranian man arrested over his alleged involvement inthe massive anti-government protests that rocked Tehran last month has been released on bail, his lawyer said.
Earlier this month, the Iranian regime had granted a reprieve for Erfan Soltani, 26, who was reportedly facing execution for joining protests against the rulers.
Iran’s foreign minister had told America’s Fox TV there would be “no hangings today, tomorrow or whatever”. His comments were reinforced by Iran’s judiciary which revealed the legal charge against Mr Soltani, who was scheduled to be executed on 14 January, had been downgraded.
Arpan Rai reports:
Iranian anti-government protester Erfan Soltani released on bail, lawyer says
Russia trying to de-escalate Iran tensions, says Kremlin
Monday 2 February 2026 10:27 , Maira ButtRussia has reiterated that it is involved in discussions to de-escalate tensions in Iran, it said on Monday.
The Kremlin has offered its support in the form of services to process or store Iran’s enriched uranium.
The relationship between Moscow and Tehran has changed significantly over the past decade, most notably since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022.
Traditionally, their relationship has been characterised by a mix of “cooperation, competition, and suspicion”, according to the Washington-based CNA national security think tank.
In January last year, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a 20-year strategic partnership, which was approved in May by the Iranian parliament.
Confirmed death toll nears 7,000 in deadly crackdown
Monday 2 February 2026 10:06 , Maira ButtThe total number of confirmed deaths in Iran’s deadly crackdown has hit 6,713, while 17,091 cases are under investigation, according to US-based HRANA rights group.
Of those confirmed dead, 137 were under 18. Another 6,305 were reported as “protesters”, 214 were members of government-affiliated forces and 57 were “civilian, non-protesters”.
The number of injured civilians stands at 11,021, with 84 student arrests, 295 cases of forced confessions, and 11,028 summonses reported.
Iran 'confident' on reaching a deal with the US
Monday 2 February 2026 09:31 , Maira ButtIran’s foreign minister said he was “confident that we can achieve a deal” with the US on Tehran’s nuclear weapons program.
Speaking to CNN Sunday, Abbas Araghchi said there were parties wanting to drag Donald Trump in to a war for their own gain.
He said a meaningful negotiation between the two countries should be based on trust.
“Unfortunately, we have lost our trust [in] the US as a negotiating partner,” he said, adding that the exchange of messages through mediating countries was still able to facilitate “fruitful” talks.
“It is obvious to us that there are certain elements, certain parties, that want to drag President Trump into this war for their own benefits and I think President Trump is wise enough to make the correct decision.”
Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest Revolutionary Guard being listed as terror group
Monday 2 February 2026 09:00 , Maira ButtIran has summoned all of the European Union’s ambassadors in the country to protest the bloc’s listing of the Islamic Republic’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terror group.
Last week the group was classified as a terrorist organisation over its part in a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that have led to thousands of deaths.
Other countries, including the US and Canada, have previously designated the Guard as a terrorist organization.
While the move is largely symbolic, it does add to the economic pressure squeezing Iran, particularly has the Guard has a major influence on the country's economy.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told journalists that the ambassadors had been summoned on Sunday.
Iran exploring diplomacy options with US and expects results in coming
Monday 2 February 2026 08:29 , Maira ButtIran is examining various diplomatic processes in order to manage tensions with the US, the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
It expects results in the coming days.
“Regional countries are the go-between for messages that have been exchanged,” he said.
“Various points have been exchanged and we are currently deciding and examining the details of each diplomatic process that we hope will bring results in coming days.”
He added: “This pertains to the process and framework of (talks).”
Calls grow in Iran for independent probe into protest death toll
Monday 2 February 2026 08:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarPressure is mounting inside Iran for an independent inquiry into the true death toll from recent protests, after the government said it would publish the names of those killed.
Reformists and civil society figures say the official toll of just over 3,000 lacks credibility, with many believing the real number is far higher, and are calling for transparent mechanisms or a UN-led investigation to address deep public distrust and fears of retaliation against victims’ families.
“Citizens should be able to publicly and openly upload names and information about the deceased without being identified. The site should then commit itself to verifying and providing necessary information about each announced name,” Mohsen Borhani, a law professor at Tehran University and a critic of the Iranian government, was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Iran warns of regional warfare if US launches attack
Monday 2 February 2026 07:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran has issued a stark warning of potential regional conflict should the United States launch an attack, further escalating tensions between Washington DC and Tehran.
In a retaliatory move, Tehran also designated European Union armies as “terrorist groups”.
The US has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East, prompted by President Donald Trump’s repeated threats of intervention over Iran’s nuclear programme and its handling of protesters.
Despite the ongoing standoff, both Iran’s clerical leadership and the Trump administration have signalled a readiness to resume talks, with regional allies like Turkey actively seeking de-escalation.
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted on state media as saying that although Trump says he has sent ships to the region, “the Iranian nation shall not be scared by these things, the Iranian people will not be stirred by these threats.
Read more here:
Trump claims India will buy oil from Venezuela instead of Iran
Monday 2 February 2026 07:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump said India will begin buying oil from Venezuela instead of Iran, claiming a deal is already in place as Washington seeks to reshape global oil flows amid sanctions and trade pressure.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said: “India is coming in, and they’re going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran. So, we’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal.”
India has largely avoided Iranian oil because of US sanctions and instead ramped up imports from Russia after discounted crude became available following the Ukraine war.
The US has repeatedly pressured New Delhi to curb Russian oil purchases, including by sharply raising tariffs on Indian exports last year. However, officials have since signalled a possible rollback as Indian imports from Russia declined.
At the same time, Washington has eased some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector to facilitate sales, with a White House official saying the move “would help flow existing product” and that more easing could follow.
Iran says it now considers all EU militaries to be terrorist groups
Sunday 1 February 2026 21:06 , Harriette BoucherIran's parliament speaker said today that the Islamic Republic now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist groups.
The speaker's comments come after Europe declared Tehran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard a terror group over its deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.
"By seeking to strike at the (Guard), which itself has been the greatest barrier to the spread of terrorism to Europe, Europeans have in fact shot themselves in the foot and, once again through blind obedience to the Americans, decided against the interests of their own people," the speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said.
