Iran-US News Highlights: Donald Trump denies reports of General Caine opposing Iran war, calls claims ‘100% incorrect’

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said the president is “curious” why Iran hasn’t “capitulated” on its nuclear program, even as Tehran’s universities see fresh protests and the US builds up naval power in the Gulf. Oman’s foreign minister announced on X that US–Iran talks will reconvene in Geneva on Thursday, while Tehran has warned of “strong retaliation” in a letter to the UN chief and Trump confirmed he’s weighing limited military strikes ahead of his 10‑day deadline for a new deal US-Iran Latest News Updates: Follow Live News Here Trump’s warning and Tehran’s counterproposal: Asked whether he would authorise action during negotiations, Trump said: “I guess I can say I am considering that,” adding that Iran “better negotiate a fair deal”. Washington is insisting on “zero enrichment” of uranium. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is drafting a counterproposal based on “mutual respect”, expected within 48 to 72 hours. It remains unclear whether Iran will accept limits on domestic enrichment. Indian Embassy in Iran advisory: Embassy of India in Iran Monday issued an advisory, urging all Indian nationals (students, pilgrims, business person and tourists) to leave by any available means of transport. The embassy also requested all nationals to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs readily available with them. Emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy were also shared. ## What’s the current situation? Trump’s strike warning: Asked if he would authorise kinetic action during negotiations, Trump told reporters, “I guess I can say I am considering that.” He added that Tehran “better negotiate a fair deal.” Tehran’s counter-offer: Iran is reportedly preparing a text based on “mutual respect”, though it remains unclear if it will address the US “red line” regarding domestic uranium enrichment. Israel on high alert: The Israeli government, believing talks have reached an impasse, has accelerated joint military preparations with the US for an operation that could begin “very soon”. Strait of Hormuz tensions: Following a brief shutdown for IRGC live-fire drills, the waterway remains a flashpoint. Iran has warned that any attack would make all US regional assets “legitimate targets”. Massive buildup: The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently transiting the Mediterranean to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, completing a dual-carrier presence that analysts call the most significant mobilisation in decades. Our Global Desk is monitoring official statements from the White House, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and maritime security agencies in the Persian Gulf. Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story develops. Tehran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti-ship cruise missiles, news agency Reuters reported, just as the United States builds up its naval presence in the Middle East ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic. The CM-302 supersonic missiles have a range of about 290 kilometres and are designed to evade shipborne defences by flying low and fast. Negotiations with China to buy the missile weapons systems began at least two years ago and accelerated sharply after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June. No delivery date has been agreed. It was back in 1967 when Iran took possession of the Tehran Research Reactor supplied by America under the "Atoms for Peace" program. Subsequently, conflicts and tensions started emerging. With AP inputs Iran-US Tensions News LIVE Updates: Ruling National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday asked students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Iran to leave that country immediately, as it would be difficult to evacuate them after the airspace closure. In its latest advisory, the Embassy of India asked its citizens to "leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights." The advisory comes in the wake of Saturday's protests in Iran following 40-day memorials for people killed in January during anti-government rallies. Abdullah said the students should pack their bags and leave Iran before their parents panic. "I want to tell the students of Jammu and Kashmir to leave immediately. Otherwise, when the airspace is closed tomorrow, their parents may panic. They should leave before it comes to that. Otherwise, there will be no one to evacuate them. When the advisory has been issued, they should pack their bags and return home," Abdullah said. US Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that Iran should seize the opportunity to reach a deal, but all options for President Donald Trump remain on the table. > Secretary Pete Hegseth: "Iran should make a deal...everything is on the table. It's the president decision." pic.twitter.com/NraNQJ5Ppi— CSPAN (@cspan) February 24, 2026 Secretary Pete Hegseth: "Iran should make a deal...everything is on the table. It's the president decision." pic.twitter.com/NraNQJ5Ppi Iranian students have held a third consecutive day of protests at universities, including all-women Al Zahra University in Tehran, where they chanted anti-government slogans and burned an Iranian flag. The protests come amid rising tensions between Iran and the US, with Washington building up military forces in the Middle East and negotiating with Tehran. The US has warned of "really bad things" if no deal is reached, while Iran's foreign ministry has threatened to retaliate "ferociously" against any attack. In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump rejected reports that General Daniel Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advised against military action against Iran, labeling the claims "100% incorrect" and attributing them to "Fake News Media". Trump emphasized that Caine, like everyone else, prefers to avoid war but believes it would be "something easily won" if a decision is made to go ahead. Trump also praised Caine's leadership and experience, citing his role in Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. The third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday, February 26, according to officials from Oman, Iran and the US. Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi announced in a post on his X account that the Iran–US talks have been scheduled for Geneva on Thursday of this week. He expressed pleasure in confirming the arrangement and described the upcoming meeting as a positive effort aimed at taking further steps toward finalizing an agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and a US official also confirmed that the indirect nuclear negotiations between the two sides are planned for Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a limited security consultation to discuss Iran, attended by the military chief of staff and the defense minister, Kan News reported. Video: US aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford arrives at Greek island > The USS Gerald R. Ford docked at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete, a strategic NATO hub in the eastern Mediterranean, as President Donald Trump orders a major U S force buildup in the Middle East amid preparations for a potential multi-week air campaign against Iran. pic.twitter.com/UIQKGmXMVg— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 23, 2026 The USS Gerald R. Ford docked at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete, a strategic NATO hub in the eastern Mediterranean, as President Donald Trump orders a major U S force buildup in the Middle East amid preparations for a potential multi-week air campaign against Iran. pic.twitter.com/UIQKGmXMVg US Army Central soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed Pathfinder training last month to support airborne and air assault readiness, US Central Command said in a post on X. > Last month, U.S. Army Central Soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed a course where they earned Pathfinder badges. During Pathfinder training, Soldiers gain essential skills needed for planning and execution of complex airborne and air assault missions. pic.twitter.com/qsiD9svSC1— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 23, 2026 Last month, U.S. Army Central Soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed a course where they earned Pathfinder badges. During Pathfinder training, Soldiers gain essential skills needed for planning and execution of complex airborne and air assault missions. pic.twitter.com/qsiD9svSC1 US Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that Iran should seize the opportunity to reach a deal, but all options for President Donald Trump remain on the table. “Iran should make a deal. Iran has an opportunity to make a deal. That's the outcome the President would prefer. Our job is to provide options, and we will have options for the President,” Hegseth said. “Still everything is on the table. It's the president's decision. We're here to help ensure that a deal is made. And I think Iran would be wise to make a good deal.” > Secretary Pete Hegseth: "Iran should make a deal...everything is on the table. It's the president decision." pic.twitter.com/NraNQJ5Ppi— CSPAN (@cspan) February 24, 2026 Secretary Pete Hegseth: "Iran should make a deal...everything is on the table. It's the president decision." pic.twitter.com/NraNQJ5Ppi Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs Dan Caine has been advising President Donald Trump and top officials that a military campaign against Iran could carry significant risks, particularly the possibility of becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict, Axios reported citing two sources. Trump has been leaning towards launching a strike on Iran for several days but agreed to give his chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner a bit more time for negotiations with Tehran, Axios said citing an informed source. Trump insisted on more negotiations by Witkoff and Kushner because he wants to make sure all avenues are "exhausted," the report said citing another source. Donald Trump has dismissed reports that General Daniel Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, opposes military action against Iran, calling them "100% incorrect". Trump stated that Caine, like everyone else, prefers to avoid war, but believes it would be "something easily won" if a decision is made to go ahead. Trump emphasized that he is the one making the decision and would prefer a diplomatic outcome, but warned of consequences if talks fail. US Army Central soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed Pathfinder training last month to support airborne and air assault readiness, US Central Command said in a post on X. > Last month, U.S. Army Central Soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed a course where they earned Pathfinder badges. During Pathfinder training, Soldiers gain essential skills needed for planning and execution of complex airborne and air assault missions. pic.twitter.com/qsiD9svSC1— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 23, 2026 Last month, U.S. Army Central Soldiers deployed to the Middle East completed a course where they earned Pathfinder badges. During Pathfinder training, Soldiers gain essential skills needed for planning and execution of complex airborne and air assault missions. pic.twitter.com/qsiD9svSC1 US President Donald Trump will decide whether to launch airstrikes on Iran based in part on the advice of his envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, according to a report by The Guardian. The newspaper reported that Trump has not taken a final decision and is waiting to see whether Iran is serious about reaching a deal to give up its ability to produce nuclear weapons. The US administration expects Iran to send a fresh proposal this week before what officials have described as a last round of negotiations in Geneva on Thursday. Read the full story here. A student affiliated with the IRGC’s Basij militia on Monday climbed a tree at Tehran’s Sharif (Aryamehr) University of Technology to remove two rats hung by protesters as a symbol of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s execution, following a clash with protesters who mockingly call Khamenei “Rat-Ali”. > A student affiliated with the IRGC’s Basij militia on Monday climbed a tree at Tehran’s Sharif (Aryamehr) University of Technology to remove two rats hung by protesters as a symbol of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s execution, following a clash with protesters who mockingly call… pic.twitter.com/hMv9N6t4qq— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 23, 2026 A student affiliated with the IRGC’s Basij militia on Monday climbed a tree at Tehran’s Sharif (Aryamehr) University of Technology to remove two rats hung by protesters as a symbol of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s execution, following a clash with protesters who mockingly call… pic.twitter.com/hMv9N6t4qq US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with constraints on using military force against Iran, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News on Monday. Military planners have advised that any strike on Tehran’s assets would likely not deliver a decisive, one-off blow and could instead escalate into a wider, protracted conflict in the Middle East, the report said. CBS News cited sources as saying that internal discussions have focused on the risks of retaliation and the possibility that limited strikes would fail to significantly degrade Iran’s capabilities, potentially drawing the United States into a broader regional confrontation. Donald Trump's decision on airstrikes against Iran depends on special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's assessment of Tehran's nuclear deal intentions. The administration awaits Iran's latest proposal, with last-ditch Geneva talks scheduled for Thursday. If no deal is reached, Trump is considering limited strikes to pressure Iran or a larger attack for regime change. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared ⁠Kushner ​will meet with ​an Iranian ​delegation ⁠on Thursday in Geneva, ‌a senior US official said on ⁠Monday, ⁠amid a large ⁠US ‌military ​buildup ‌in the region ‌aimed ​at ​forcing concessions ​from Tehran ​over its ⁠nuclear program. Iranian students defied authorities with protests for a third day on Monday, weeks after security forces crushed mass unrest with thousands killed and as the United States weighs possible air strikes against the Islamic Republic. State media outlets reported students chanting anti-government slogans at Tehran University, burning flags at the all-women al-Zahra University, and scuffles at Amir Kabir University, all located in ⁠the ​capital. Reuters also verified video showing students at al-Zahra University chanting slogans including "we'll reclaim Iran", but was not able to confirm when it was recorded. The Bank of Israel held short-term interest rates steady on Monday after two successive cuts, citing fears about the impact of a US strike on Iran which overshadowed easing inflation pressures and a strong shekel. After cuts in November and January, the central bank opted to leave its benchmark rate at 4% despite an US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that has helped to relieve supply constraints that had pushed up prices during the ⁠two-year ​Gaza war. Non-emergency government workers and family members have been asked by the US State Department to move out of ​the ​US Embassy ⁠in Beirut, a ‌senior department official said on Monday, Reuters reported. As new round of nuclear talks are scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday between Iran and US, Tehran has said that it is looking to find a diplomatic solution with Washington and added that it would defend itself against any military aggression by US. "An act of aggression would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period. And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defence ferociously, so that’s what we would do," Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday during a press briefing. Iran was struck by new wave of anti-government protests over the weekend as US President Donald Trump's administration sought to build pressure on Tehran ahead of scheduled third round of nuclear talks amid massive military buildup in the region. According to Iran's state news agencies, student demonstrations was reported in five universities in Tehran and one in the city of Mashhad. Oil prices plunged around 1% on Monday after Oman foreign minister announced that the third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place on Thursday. According to NBC News, the Brent crude futures slid 75 cents, or 1.05%, to $71.01 a barrel. South Korea has advised its citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions in the country as concerns have risen over a possible US military strike on the Islamic nation. The South Korean embassy in Iran, in a statement on Sunday said, "Recent media reports have highlighted rapidly escalating regional tensions, citing the possibility of a US attack on Iran and Tehran’s warning of retaliation." • US President Donald Trump has said he is “considering” limited military strikes on Iran even during negotiations, warning Tehran to “negotiate a fair deal” and setting a 10-day deadline, while the US continues to insist on a “zero enrichment” red line for uranium. • US special envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump is “curious” why Iran has not “capitulated” on its nuclear programme. • Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is preparing a counterproposal based on “mutual respect,” expected within 48–72 hours, though it remains unclear if Iran will accept limits on domestic uranium enrichment. • Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced that US–Iran talks will reconvene in Geneva on Thursday, in what is being seen as a critical diplomatic window. • Iran has warned of “strong retaliation” in a letter to the UN, stating that any US attack would make American assets in the region “legitimate targets.” • The US has significantly increased its military presence, with USS Gerald R. Ford moving to join USS Abraham Lincoln, creating a rare dual-carrier deployment described as one of the largest mobilisations in decades. • Israel is on high alert and has stepped up joint military preparations with the US, amid expectations that an operation could begin soon if talks fail. • The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint after recent IRGC live-fire drills briefly disrupted activity, with Tehran warning of escalation in the vital oil transit route. • Fresh protests have been reported in Iranian universities, reflecting ongoing domestic unrest under economic strain and sanctions pressure. • The Embassy of India in Iran has advised Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists, to leave Iran by any available means and keep travel documents ready, while sharing emergency helplines. Embassy of India in Iran Monday issued an advisory, urging all Indian nationals (students, pilgrims, business person and tourists) to leave by any available means of transport. In an advisory posted on the official handle, the embassy declared the advisory issued on January 14 -- which asked the nationals to exercise caution and avoid areas of protest -- null and void. The embassy also requested all nationals to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs readily available with them. "They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," the embassy added in its post. Emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy were also shared. Students at several major Iranian universities—including the University of Tehran, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology and Khajeh Nasir University—held rallies on Sunday to commemorate those killed in recent protests and to voice opposition to the Islamic Republic, with participants chanting “Death to the dictator” outside the central library at Tehran and similar slogans at the other campuses, according to student groups and local media reports. > Students at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology raised the pre-Islamic Republic Lion and Sun flag on campus on Sunday, during ongoing student memorial rallies. pic.twitter.com/F8uyKaaNQg— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 22, 2026 Students at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology raised the pre-Islamic Republic Lion and Sun flag on campus on Sunday, during ongoing student memorial rallies. pic.twitter.com/F8uyKaaNQg Kurdish opposition parties in Iran have formed a new coalition, the Alliance of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan, uniting five groups—PDKI, PJAK, PAK, Komala, and Khabat to coordinate their struggle for self‑determination and to push for a democratic, secular Iran, according to a statement released on Sunday and reported by Rudaw news agency. The alliance, announced by PDKI executive committee member Mohammad Nazif Qadri, aims to overcome the fragmentation of Kurdish forces, support nationwide protests, and work with other Iranian opposition movements while urging free elections and protection of minority rights. It comes as Tehran faces heightened US pressure over stalled nuclear talks and recent military tensions in the Gulf.-Rudaw news agency Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi to discuss the “latest status of indirect negotiations” between Iran and the United States and consult on arrangements for the “next round of nuclear talks,” Iran’s foreign ministry said. US President Donald Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted US attack does not lead Iran to give in to his demands, he will consider a much bigger attack in coming months intended to drive that country’s leaders from power, The New York Times reported citing sources. -NYT Iran and the US are expected to meet for a further round of talks in Geneva this week in a sign that Donald Trump’s team believes Tehran is making serious proposals to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and show it is not seeking a nuclear weapon. As fears loomed of renewed conflict after Washington carried out a major redeployment of military assets to the region, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he thought there was still a good chance of finding a diplomatic solution. He told CBS that negotiators would probably meet on Thursday to discuss and try to make “a fast deal”. Alluding to US assets in the region as potential targets, however, he said: “If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves.” “Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are IRANIAN,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in a post on X on Sunday, responding to earlier remarks by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who said President Donald Trump was “curious” why Tehran had not capitulated under mounting US pressure. "Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals,” Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X on Sunday. "However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario," he added. > Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) February 22, 2026 Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario. Israel’s prime minister voiced uncertainty about US President Donald Trump’s position on Iran following a meeting in Washington earlier this month, Israel’s Channel 12 reported. “Is he still with us? I’m worried,” Benjamin Netanyahu told a senior US official after the talks, according to the report. Iran has signaled it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear program in talks with the United States in return for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks to avert a US attack, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official. Tehran would seriously consider sending half of its most highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the rest and taking part in creating a regional enrichment consortium, the Iranian official said according to Reuters. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call on Sunday with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi to discuss the “latest status of indirect negotiations” between Iran and the United States and consult on arrangements for the “next round of nuclear talks,” Iran’s foreign ministry said. Iran and the US are set to meet again in Geneva this week, with Donald Trump’s team saying Tehran is putting forward serious ideas to thin out its highly enriched uranium and prove it isn’t chasing a nuclear bomb. Even as Washington shifts a big chunk of its military hardware to the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS there’s still a solid chance for diplomacy and that negotiators will likely sit down on Thursday to try for a “fast deal.” He added a warning: “If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that the recent negotiations with the United States "yielded encouraging ‌signals" and highlighted that Tehran has made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario. In a post on X, Pezeshkian wrote, "Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario." > Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) February 22, 2026 Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi on Sunday confirmed that talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday. In a post on X, Albusaidi said wrote, "Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal." > Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.— Badr Albusaidi - بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) February 22, 2026 'There are reports the UK has told the US they cannot use RAF bases for strikes on Iran. Is that true?'The Foreign Secretary tells ITV News that she wants the US to negotiate with Iran, amidst reports the US are preparing to strike the country pic.twitter.com/oXDUYr3xVH— ITVPolitics (@ITVNewsPolitics) February 20, 2026 'There are reports the UK has told the US they cannot use RAF bases for strikes on Iran. Is that true?'The Foreign Secretary tells ITV News that she wants the US to negotiate with Iran, amidst reports the US are preparing to strike the country pic.twitter.com/oXDUYr3xVH Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard urged Swedish citizens in Iran to leave the country, citing a “highly uncertain” situation in Iran and the region and referring to an “urgent appeal” to leave. “The situation in Iran and in the region is highly uncertain. I therefore wish to emphasize the importance of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' advisory against all travel to Iran, and the urgent appeal to Swedish citizens who are in the country to leave,” Stenergard posted on X. “It is still possible to leave Iran via air travel and border crossings. Swedes should leave Iran now while the opportunity exists and not wait. A significant personal responsibility rests with those individuals who choose to remain in Iran. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will not be able to assist with evacuation from Iran,” she added. > Utvecklingen i Iran och i regionen är mycket osäker. Jag vill därför understryka vikten av UD:s avrådan från alla resor till Iran, och den skarpa uppmaningen till svenska medborgare som befinner sig i landet att lämna. Det är fortfarande möjligt att lämna Iran via flyg och…— Maria M Stenergard (@MariaStenergard) February 20, 2026 Utvecklingen i Iran och i regionen är mycket osäker. Jag vill därför understryka vikten av UD:s avrådan från alla resor till Iran, och den skarpa uppmaningen till svenska medborgare som befinner sig i landet att lämna. Det är fortfarande möjligt att lämna Iran via flyg och… The United States pledged to keep imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in violently repressing and censoring Iranians, Assistant Secretary posted on X. ​“The United States will continue to pursue visa restrictions for individuals who violently repress and censor Iranians seeking to exercise their freedom of expression,” Mora Namdar said. > The United States will continue to pursue visa restrictions for individuals who violently repress and censor Iranians seeking to exercise their freedom of expression. https://t.co/QfOhPzeDZn— Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar (@AsstSecStateCA) February 20, 2026 The United States will continue to pursue visa restrictions for individuals who violently repress and censor Iranians seeking to exercise their freedom of expression. https://t.co/QfOhPzeDZn The administration is reviewing a proposal that would let Iran keep a symbolic, low‑level enrichment program essentially a “token” amount provided it can’t be weaponized, while simultaneously holding open military options that include targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son, and senior clerics . A senior official says any deal must be “very detailed” and prove the program stays peaceful, even as Trump warns of possible limited strikes if negotiations fail. > ☢️ NEW: As the Trump administration mulls Iran options, it is prepared to consider a proposal that allows Iran "token" nuclear enrichment if it leaves no possible path to a bomb.Another scenario “takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs.” https://t.co/ZW2CH6pzyS— Axios (@axios) February 21, 2026 ☢️ NEW: As the Trump administration mulls Iran options, it is prepared to consider a proposal that allows Iran "token" nuclear enrichment if it leaves no possible path to a bomb.Another scenario “takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs.” https://t.co/ZW2CH6pzyS