Iran Archives - Page 8 of 9

Iran claims strikes on 14 US bases in response to US-Israel attacks

February 28, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it targeted 14 US military bases in the region in retaliation for alleged attacks by the United States and Israel. According to the IRGC, “hundreds of American soldiers” were killed, though these figures remain unverified by independent sources.

The IRGC has named the operation “Operation Vadeh Sadiq 4”, describing it as a response to US and Israeli actions. Iranian state media reported that the strikes targeted US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and military installations in central Israel.

An IRGC spokesperson emphasized that the military campaign is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks set to continue against perceived regional targets, calling it a fight against “American forces and the Zionist regime responsible for killing children.”

The US military, via a CENTCOM spokesperson, disputed the IRGC’s claims, stating that reports of 200 US casualties and damage to a US Navy vessel are false.

Despite conflicting reports, Iran’s IRGC reaffirmed that its operations will continue with full force, escalating tensions further in an already volatile region.

This announcement marks a significant intensification of hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with both sides closely monitoring developments.

Iran’s proposed nuclear deal includes reduction of enrichment

February 26, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

An Arab diplomat has revealed that Iran has presented a proposed draft agreement to the United States regarding its nuclear program, according to Israeli media reports.

Speaking to Israeli media, the diplomat said the draft submitted by Tehran proposes reducing uranium enrichment levels from 60 percent to 3.6 percent — a level consistent with civilian nuclear energy use.

The diplomat further disclosed that Iran has offered to suspend uranium enrichment activities for seven years as part of the proposed framework.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has arrived in Geneva for talks related to ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.

Israeli media also claimed that Washington is not currently demanding zero uranium enrichment from Iran.

Instead, the United States is reportedly seeking the transfer of Iran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. However, Tehran has refused to move its highly enriched uranium outside the country.

According to the reports, Iran has offered to dilute its highly enriched uranium stockpile, while the US is pushing for a 10-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program. Analysts cited by Israeli media suggest that Tehran’s proposal is unlikely to fully satisfy American demands.

Israeli media further warned that the likelihood of a US military strike on Iran in the near term has increased amid stalled negotiations.

Iran rejects US allegations over missile program, calls claims ‘big lies’

February 25, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

TEHRAN: Iran has strongly rejected US allegations regarding its missile program, describing the claims as “big lies.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement posted on social media that US accusations about Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile activities are baseless.

Tehran Dismisses Nuclear and Missile Claims

Baghaei stated that allegations related to Iran’s nuclear activities and ballistic missile development lack credibility and are politically motivated. He also denied US claims concerning the number of casualties during protest incidents in January, saying the figures presented by Washington were false.

Trump Raises Concerns Over Missile Threat

The response comes after US President Donald Trump said in a recent statement that Iran’s missiles pose a threat to European countries and American bases in the region. He further claimed that Iran is developing missiles capable of eventually reaching the United States.

Tehran has consistently maintained that its missile program is defensive in nature and not aimed at threatening other nations.

US deploys largest aircraft carrier near Iran amid rising tensions

February 20, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

The United States’ largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has entered the Mediterranean amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing nuclear negotiations between the two nations.

Naval Deployment Amid Rising Tensions

According to international news agencies, the second round of US-Iran nuclear talks has begun, but tensions remain high. Monitoring websites reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford, part of a Carrier Strike Group, is currently transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, signaling rapid movement toward the Middle East.

The deployment follows orders from US President Donald Trump, who last week instructed the carrier strike group to move toward the region as military options against Iran were being considered.

US defense officials expect the carrier to reach the Middle East within a few days, becoming operationally ready for potential missions against Iran.

Operational Readiness

Images released by the US Department of Defense show F/A-18F Super Hornet jets taking off from the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean, highlighting the carrier’s operational preparedness.

With tensions escalating in the region, this deployment is considered a critical strategic move by the United States as the nuclear negotiations continue.

JD Vance emphasizes priority to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons

February 18, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States’ top priority is to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

In a recent statement, Vance described the second round of negotiations with Iran as constructive in certain areas, but noted that Tehran is still not prepared to discuss some of the red lines set by President Trump.

“We will continue to work on this issue,” Vance said, adding that the President has the authority to declare at any time that diplomatic efforts have run their course.

Vance expressed hope that such a situation would not arise, stressing that any decision to end talks would ultimately depend on the President. He declined to specify the red lines in his comments.

The remarks underline the ongoing U.S. focus on nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Iran.

Iran reaffirms missile program excluded from US talks, says FM

February 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is a matter of national defense and will not be included in any negotiations, according to an interview with an Arab TV network.

Araghchi also confirmed that during indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, he met with the American delegation and exchanged handshakes.

He warned that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Iran will target U.S. bases in the region, but emphasized that attacks on U.S. territory are not anticipated.

He underscored that nuclear enrichment is an inalienable right for Iran and must continue, stating that even bombardment cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “We are prepared to reach an agreement on assurances regarding enrichment,” Araghchi said.

Regarding the next round of talks with the United States, he noted that no date has been finalized yet, but both parties agree that discussions should take place soon.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s missile program will remain off-limits in negotiations, stressing its strategic importance to national defense.

Iran ready for both war and negotiations, says Foreign Minister Araghchi

January 12, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is prepared for both conflict and dialogue amid ongoing unrest in the country.

In a statement, Araghchi noted that violence escalated over the weekend, with terrorists targeting both protesters and security forces, but added that the situation is now fully under control.

He said that peaceful demonstrations over the past few days had turned violent, with around 350 mosques set on fire within two weeks.

Despite the unrest, Iranian security forces exercised restraint, recognizing that many of the protesters’ demands were legitimate and being heard by the government.

Araghchi also accused recent US comments of exacerbating the protests. “After President Trump spoke of intervention, the protests turned bloodier to create a pretext for outside interference,” he said.

He emphasized, “We are ready for both war and negotiations.”

The remarks follow recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who said that Iran has reached out for negotiations and that arrangements are underway.

Trump also warned that the US is considering military options in Iran, which he suggested might need to be acted upon even before talks begin.

China opposes possible US military action against Iran

January 12, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Beijing/Washington: China has voiced its opposition to any potential US military action against Iran in response to the ongoing protests in the country.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that China always opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries and the use of force in international relations.

The statement emphasized that national sovereignty must be respected and the safety of all nations ensured under international law. It added that China hopes the Iranian government and people can overcome the current challenges and maintain national stability.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor also commented on the situation, urging an end to the violence in Iran. “The use of force is a sign of weakness, not strength,” the Chancellor said.

The remarks come as US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington is considering various options in response to the unrest in Iran, including military action. Speaking aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, DC, Trump said the US is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders.

He added that Iran reached out to discuss the nuclear deal recently, and the US is open to meeting with them. However, Trump reiterated that military action remains one of the options under consideration.

Time magazine reports heavy casualties in Iran amid anti-inflation unrest

January 10, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

TEHRAN: Anti-government protests over rising inflation in Iran have intensified, turning increasingly violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces across multiple cities.

According to Time magazine, heavy casualties were reported during the unrest, although Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the toll.

The protests have resulted in widespread property damage. Reports indicate that 26 banks, 25 mosques, 2 hospitals, and 48 fire trucks were damaged, while government buildings and police stations also came under attack. Several security personnel were injured, and ambulances, buses, and private vehicles were reportedly set on fire.

Authorities have arrested approximately 2,500 people, and internet services remain shut down amid the ongoing unrest.

A doctor in Tehran, speaking to Time on condition of anonymity, confirmed fatalities in six hospitals alone, noting that most deaths were caused by gunfire. Meanwhile, Washington-based human rights activists reported at least 63 confirmed deaths, including 49 civilians.

Supreme Leader Khamenei blames foreign interference

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States of being complicit in the bloodshed and claimed that some “rioters” were deliberately damaging public property to please US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that Iran will not tolerate mercenary forces and called for national unity.

Iran Calls on UN to respect sovereignty

The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from intervention, condemning U.S. statements on the protests as interference and deception.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan highlights foreign elements’ role

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Ameri Moghaddam, stated that foreign-backed elements were attempting to turn protests violent.

He asserted that the Iranian people largely support the government and security forces and that Iran has historically overcome foreign conspiracies while maintaining its sovereignty and national unity.

The situation remains volatile, with reports of ongoing clashes and heightened security across major Iranian cities.

Trump warns of US intervention if Iran uses force against protesters

January 2, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities use violence against peaceful protesters.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, President Trump said that if Iran attacks or kills peaceful demonstrators, the United States will step in to protect them. He added that the U.S. is fully prepared to act to safeguard protesters.

Reacting strongly to the warning, Ali Larijani, adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that any US interference in Iran’s internal protests would be equivalent to spreading chaos in the region. He stressed that President Trump should understand that American intervention would only fuel instability.

The remarks come amid violent protests in Iran against rising inflation and the sharp decline in the national currency. According to reports, clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters have resulted in six deaths, while 30 protesters have been arrested in recent days.

Tensions remain high as international attention grows over the unrest and the possibility of foreign involvement.