Iran FM Looks to More Nuclear Talks, but Warns US Against Any Attack
Formal & News Style Tehran signals openness to diplomacy while setting firm military red lines Foreign minister balances negotiation hopes with warnings of retaliation Talks resume amid rising regional tension Iran keeps dialogue alive but rejects U.S. threats 🔹 Neutral & Analytical Diplomacy and deterrence move in parallel Why Iran is negotiating while preparing for conflict A fragile path between talks and confrontation 🔹 Catchy & Impactful Talks on the table, missiles in the background Diplomacy under threat Between dialogue and defense
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this week that Tehran hopes to continue negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme, while issuing stark warnings that any American military action would trigger retaliation against U.S. bases in the region. The remarks, delivered amid fragile indirect talks in Oman and growing military tension in the Middle East, reflect Tehran’s dual strategy of keeping diplomatic channels open but asserting firm red lines over defence and sovereignty.
Geo News
Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Araghchi described the recent indirect talks in Muscat, Oman — the first such engagement since nuclear negotiations collapsed last year — as a “good start” and said both sides had agreed to continue discussions soon. The negotiations came after a period of heightened threats and military buildup, including U.S. warnings of possible strikes and increased American naval deployments in the Gulf.
Al-Monitor
Talks Resume Amid Tense Backdrop
The February 7 session in Oman brought Iranian and U.S. officials together in a rare diplomatic engagement between the two adversaries, but with major differences still unresolved. Araghchi reiterated that Iran considers its nuclear enrichment a sovereign and “inalienable right” and said Tehran remains ready to seek a “reassuring agreement” through negotiations while rejecting external pressure or ultimatums.
Al-Monitor
U.S. President Donald Trump described the Muscat discussions as “very good” and pledged another round of talks next week, but also signed new sanctions and measures aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports and economic lifelines.
Al-Monitor
Despite these diplomatic overtures, Araghchi made clear that Tehran’s ballistic missile programme is “never negotiable” because it relates to national defence, and warned that if the United States were to attack Iranian territory, Tehran would strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East — though not those of host countries — as accessible targets.
Press TV
Firm Red Lines on Defence and Negotiation Scope
Araghchi’s comments highlight major sticking points in the negotiations. Iran has insisted that talks should focus strictly on the nuclear issue and not be broadened to include its missile programmes or support for regional groups — issues that Washington and some U.S. allies want to include in future discussions. Tehran has refused to cede its missile capacity, calling it essential for deterrence, a position that complicates diplomatic progress.
Geo News
The minister also said Tehran and Washington must avoid “threats and pressure” that could derail talks, emphasising that trust-building would take time. Officials from both sides have framed the Oman meeting as preliminary, with follow-up consultations expected in capitals before further negotiation dates are set.
Al-Monitor
Military Posture and Regionwide Risk
The warning against military attack comes as U.S.–Iran tensions remain high. Recent U.S. rhetoric has repeatedly mentioned military options if diplomatic efforts fail, and the Pentagon has maintained a visible force presence in the Gulf. Tehran, for its part, has responded with its own warnings that any direct U.S. involvement in conflict would trigger swift retaliation.
Reuters
This mutual signalling underscores the precarious balance: each side appears to want to avoid a direct clash while maintaining leverage. Iran’s strategy — combining warnings with limited diplomatic engagement — reflects its broader approach to navigating sanctions, regional rivalries, and global scrutiny.
Al-Monitor
Trust, Sanctions, and Stalled Progress
Beyond security concerns, economic issues remain central. Tehran has faced crippling sanctions targeting its oil sector and financial networks, and while diplomatic engagements offer a path to potential relief, differences over enrichment limits and inspection protocols persist. Iranian officials repeatedly stress that any deal must respect their right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Geo News
Analysts say the current phase of talks is fragile. Building meaningful trust after years of conflict, sanctions, and broken negotiations will be difficult. Tehran’s insistence on excluding its missile programme from discussions, along with continued threats of retaliation, reflect deep mistrust between the two sides.
Al-Monitor
A Fragile Path Forward
Despite the serious warnings, Tehran’s announcement that talks could resume — even indirectly — suggests both sides recognize the severe risks of outright conflict in a volatile region. Leaders in the Gulf, Europe, and beyond have called for restraint and continued diplomatic engagement as the most viable path to manage the nuclear issue without war.
For now, Iran’s foreign minister is walking a fine line: signalling openness to negotiation while making clear that any military move by the United States would be met with force. Whether this cautious diplomacy can evolve into real progress remains uncertain, but the message from Tehran is clear: dialogue is possible, but so is retaliation.
Geo News
About the Creator
Fiaz Ahmed
I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.
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UK to Get Brief Respite from Rain, Forecasts Show
After weeks of persistent downpours, flooding alerts, and storm-driven disruption, the United Kingdom is set to experience a short-lived break from the relentless rain, according to the latest forecasts from the Met Office. While the improvement is expected to bring drier and brighter conditions to many parts of the country, meteorologists warn the relief will be temporary, with unsettled weather likely to return later in the week. Large areas of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland have endured above-average rainfall throughout recent weeks, saturating river systems and raising concerns about flood risks and infrastructure strain. Transport delays, waterlogged farmland, and disrupted outdoor activities have become common across the country. Now, forecasters say a high-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic will temporarily stabilize conditions, pushing heavy rain bands northwards and allowing sunshine to break through in several regions. A Window of Calmer Weather The Met Office said the drier spell will begin in the south and west before gradually extending across central and eastern England. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain cool but seasonable, with clearer skies bringing colder nights and the risk of frost in rural areas. “This is not a long-term shift, but a pause in what has been a very unsettled pattern,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “For many people, it will be the first real opportunity in days to see extended dry weather.” In London and the South East, forecasters predict brighter conditions with occasional cloud cover and lighter winds, providing a welcome contrast to recent storms. Northern England and parts of Scotland may continue to see showers initially, but these are expected to ease as the high-pressure system strengthens. Relief for Flood-Hit Communities Communities affected by flooding are expected to benefit most from the temporary dry period. In parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire, swollen rivers have placed pressure on flood defenses, forcing some residents to evacuate their homes and leaving farmland submerged. Local authorities say the break in rain will allow emergency services and councils to assess damage and carry out repairs. Drainage systems clogged with debris can be cleared, and flood barriers inspected. Farmers, in particular, are hoping the pause will prevent further crop losses. Waterlogged soil has delayed planting and damaged winter crops, adding to financial strain already caused by rising production costs. “It’s a chance to breathe,” said one farmer in Lincolnshire. “We’ve had weeks of rain with no real break. Even two or three dry days make a difference.” Travel and Infrastructure Impact Transport operators are also preparing for improved conditions. Network Rail said the dry spell will help crews carry out track inspections and repairs following recent landslips and flooding-related closures. Several main rail routes have been operating at reduced capacity due to safety concerns. Road authorities similarly welcomed the forecast, noting that standing water and potholes have become a serious hazard for drivers. The pause in rainfall could allow temporary repairs before the next wave of wet weather arrives. Airports have reported fewer weather-related delays as wind speeds ease and visibility improves. Why the Rain Has Been So Persistent Meteorologists attribute the recent wet weather to a stalled jet stream and a succession of Atlantic low-pressure systems tracking directly across the UK. Climate scientists note that warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the intensity of rainfall events when storms develop. While it is difficult to link any single weather episode directly to climate change, experts say such prolonged periods of heavy rain are becoming more frequent and more disruptive. “The pattern we’ve seen reflects a more volatile climate,” said one weather analyst. “When it rains now, it tends to rain harder and for longer.” Temporary Calm Before More Unsettled Weather Despite the upcoming respite, forecasters caution that it will not signal the end of wet conditions this season. By the end of the week, another Atlantic system is expected to move in, bringing renewed cloud cover, rain, and stronger winds, particularly to western and northern regions. Long-range outlooks suggest a return to unsettled weather into the following week, though rainfall amounts may be less severe than in the recent period of storms. The Met Office has urged the public to remain alert to future flood warnings and to take advantage of the dry spell to prepare properties and communities for possible further disruption. Public Reaction For many residents, the forecast offers emotional as well as practical relief. Parks and outdoor venues that have remained empty during weeks of rain are expected to see visitors return, while families plan to catch up on outdoor activities postponed by the weather. “I just want to hang washing outside again,” said one resident in Birmingham. “It sounds small, but it feels like we’ve forgotten what dry weather looks like.” Retailers and hospitality businesses also hope the brighter days will encourage foot traffic and lift morale after weather-related downturns in trade. Looking Ahead The brief improvement highlights the fragile balance of the UK’s weather patterns this season. While the dry spell may provide a much-needed pause, experts warn that volatility remains the defining feature of the forecast. For now, the country can expect a short window of calmer skies — a reminder of how quickly conditions can change, and how closely communities now watch every weather update after weeks of relentless rain. As one forecaster put it, “Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts — but keep the umbrella nearby.”
By Fiaz Ahmed about 20 hours ago in The Swamp
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