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Iran

Iran’s Foreign Minister Signals Readiness for Peace and Diplomacy with US Amid Tensions

by Farwa February 21, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global Pakistan:

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed that Iran remains “prepared for peace” and is open to diplomatic engagement with the United States, indicating that a potential deal between the two nations is still within reach despite ongoing threats from Washington.

In an interview with US network MS NOW on Friday, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program cannot be resolved through military means. He asserted, “A diplomatic solution is at our reach; we can easily achieve [it].”

Araghchi criticized the significant US military presence in the Middle East, which currently includes two aircraft carriers and numerous fighter jets, describing the buildup as “unnecessary and unhelpful.” He underscored his two decades of experience in negotiations, saying, “I know that a deal is achievable, but it should be fair and based on a win-win solution.”

He warned that pursuing a military option would only escalate tensions and have “disastrous consequences” not only for Iran but for the entire region and the global community.

This statement comes amid heightened tensions and rapid US military deployments near Iran, reflecting ongoing challenges but also a possible diplomatic path forward.

February 21, 2026 0 comment

Iran USA

Progress Made in Indirect US-Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Ongoing Tensions

by Farwa February 18, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In the latest round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported “good progress” during talks held in Geneva, mediated by Oman. These discussions aim to prevent potential US military action against Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a point of international concern especially following recent violent crackdowns on protests within Iran.

Araghchi emphasized that both sides reached broad agreement on guiding principles that will form the basis for drafting a potential agreement. He expressed optimism about the clear path forward and indicated that once draft texts are exchanged, a third round of talks will be scheduled.

However, US Vice President JD Vance conveyed a more cautious outlook. While acknowledging the willingness to continue talks, he noted that Iran has yet to fully acknowledge all of the red lines set by the US, signaling ongoing challenges in reaching a comprehensive deal.

Key issues remain unresolved: Iran insists on maintaining its uranium enrichment program and refuses to discuss its missile capabilities, while the US demands a halt to enrichment activities and seeks to address non-nuclear concerns such as missile stockpiles. These sticking points have prolonged negotiations amid heightened military tensions in the Gulf, where the US has deployed two aircraft carriers near Iranian waters.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have demonstrated a strong stance, including military exercises and warnings to the US about the consequences of potential conflict, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region.

Experts suggest that while there is room for agreement on nuclear issues due to the degraded state of Iran’s program, non-nuclear issues are likely to be more contentious, with Iran expected to make only limited concessions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is open to verification of this, while insisting on the right to use nuclear science for peaceful purposes such as medicine, industry, and agriculture.

February 18, 2026 0 comment

Iran

Tensions Rise as Iran and US Prepare for Geneva Talks Amid Global Diaspora Protests

by Farwa February 15, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global Pakistan:

Tensions remain high as Iran and the United States prepare for a second round of mediated talks in Geneva next week, with Iran’s nuclear and missile programs at the center of the dispute. The U.S. insists Iran halt all nuclear enrichment and curb missile capabilities, demands Iran rejects as threats to its sovereignty. President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, announced a second aircraft carrier deployment to the region and suggested regime change in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at a regional investment conference, thanked mediators from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia for helping prevent military escalation. He warned that war would have broad repercussions across the Middle East and stressed that Iran does not need external “custodians” to solve its internal issues. Oman, which hosted the initial Muscat talks, continues to mediate the process.

Meanwhile, the global Iranian diaspora has mobilized in large protests across major cities including Munich, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne. These demonstrations represent some of the largest since the 2022–2023 uprisings sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, called for a “global day of action” aimed at reclaiming Iran from the Islamic Republic. Toronto alone saw over 150,000 participants in recent rallies.

Families of victims killed during the protests continue to hold mourning ceremonies, such as the 40th-day “chehelom,” honoring individuals like medical student Ayda Heydari and Zahra “Raha” Behloulipour, both fatally shot during separate events. Despite state repression, relatives publicly express grief and defiance.

Concerns remain over the treatment of detainees, with some reformist politicians and students released but thousands still imprisoned. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have condemned the sentencing of 18-year-old wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi to public execution. UN special rapporteur Mai Sato warns that mass killings and executions persist amid heavy censorship and restricted internet access.

As the Geneva talks approach, the international community faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic efforts with urgent calls for justice, accountability, and protection for Iranians both inside the country and in the diaspora.

February 15, 2026 0 comment

Iran

Arundhati Roy Withdraws from Berlin Film Festival Over Jury Remarks on Gaza

by Farwa February 14, 2026

written by Farwa

Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival in protest against what she called “unconscionable statements” by jury members about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Roy criticized comments by the festival’s jury chair, German filmmaker Wim Wenders, who argued that “art should not be political.” She described this stance as “jaw-dropping” and accused the festival of trying to suppress discussion about what she termed “a crime against humanity” unfolding in Gaza.

Roy stated clearly that the ongoing situation in Gaza constitutes “a genocide of the Palestinian people by the State of Israel.” She also condemned the involvement of governments such as those of the United States and Germany, accusing them of complicity in the violence.

During the festival’s opening panel, Wenders maintained that filmmakers should “stay out of politics” and described cinema as a “counterweight to politics” rather than a governmental tool. Jury member Ewa Puszczynska added that filmmakers cannot be held responsible for government policies and noted that many other genocides worldwide receive little attention.

Roy was set to appear at the festival with her 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones in the Classics section. She joins a growing number of international artists criticizing Germany’s cultural institutions for allegedly monitoring and suppressing public solidarity with Palestinians.

Roy concluded by urging artists, writers, and filmmakers worldwide to use their platforms responsibly to oppose the violence in Gaza and to defend freedom of expression.

February 14, 2026 0 comment

Iran

Trump Sends Second Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

by Farwa February 14, 2026

written by Farwa

Former US President Donald Trump announced the upcoming deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East as part of increased US pressure on Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Speaking at the White House, Trump described the move as a precaution, with a “very big force” ready if needed. He expressed hope for successful negotiations with Tehran but warned of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. Trump also suggested that a change of government in Iran would be beneficial, referencing long-standing hostility and recent deadly protests in Iran.

The Gerald R. Ford’s deployment follows other US military reinforcements in the region, including the Abraham Lincoln carrier, destroyers, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft. This announcement came shortly after Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who voiced cautious optimism about a potential deal with Iran but stressed the need to address Iran’s ballistic missile program, which Iran refuses to negotiate.

These tensions trace back to June’s 12-day conflict involving Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with US participation in “Midnight Hammer” airstrikes that Trump claimed destroyed the targets. Recent indirect US-Iran talks in Oman aim to find a replacement for the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the US exited in 2018. Since then, Iran has enriched uranium beyond agreed limits but denies pursuing nuclear weapons.

UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi has struggled to gain access to sites affected by the June conflict and described negotiations as difficult but ongoing.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered carrier capable of carrying over 75 aircraft, signals a major US military escalation in the Gulf. Regional Arab nations have warned that military action could escalate into wider conflict, especially given ongoing regional instability following Israel’s recent Gaza war.

February 14, 2026 0 comment

Iran USA

Trump Signs Executive Order Warning of New Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran

by Farwa February 8, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order threatening additional trade tariffs on countries that continue commercial dealings with Iran, escalating pressure on Tehran amid renewed diplomatic engagement.

The order, issued on Friday, authorises the United States to impose import tariffs on goods coming from any country that “directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.” While the document does not set a fixed tariff rate, it cites 25 per cent as a possible benchmark.

President Trump did not publicly comment on the executive order at the time of signing. However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, he reiterated his long-standing position, stressing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The move comes shortly after talks were held between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman, marking rare high-level engagement following weeks of escalating rhetoric and mutual threats. While the discussions raised cautious hopes for de-escalation, the latest order signals Washington’s continued use of economic pressure as a key tool in its Iran policy.

Analysts say the executive order could have wide-ranging implications for global trade, particularly for countries maintaining energy, commercial, or indirect financial links with Iran. It also adds uncertainty for international markets already sensitive to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has yet to issue an official response to the order, though Tehran has repeatedly criticised US sanctions and tariff threats as unlawful and counterproductive to diplomacy.

February 8, 2026 0 comment

Iran

Iran Officially Allows Women to Ride Motorcycles, Grants Licenses

by Farwa February 5, 2026

written by Farwa

TEHRAN (The Pak Global Pakistan) – In a landmark move for women’s rights and mobility, Iran has formally approved the issuance of motorcycle driving licenses to women, ending years of uncertainty surrounding their ability to legally ride two-wheelers.

The decision, widely welcomed as a progressive step, clears long-standing legal ambiguity. Although Iranian law did not explicitly ban women from riding motorcycles, in practice authorities often refused to issue licenses, leaving female riders vulnerable to legal and financial complications, particularly in the case of road accidents.

The new regulation was signed by Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and had already received approval from the Iranian Cabinet late last month. The measure aims to streamline and clarify existing traffic laws while ensuring equal treatment for female applicants.

Under the updated rules, traffic police are now obligated to offer motorcycle training to women, conduct supervised driving tests, and issue official licenses to those who meet the required standards.

Observers say the move represents an important step toward improving women’s independence and access to transportation in Iran, marking a notable shift in policy on everyday civil freedoms.

February 5, 2026 0 comment

Iran USA

Iran Reviews Diplomatic Channels to Ease Tensions with US

by Farwa February 3, 2026

written by Farwa

DUBAI (Pak Global Pakistan) – Iran is carefully reviewing various diplomatic mechanisms aimed at reducing tensions with the United States, with hopes of achieving progress in the coming days, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Baghaei stated that Tehran is examining the details and frameworks of different diplomatic processes after indirect messages were exchanged through regional countries acting as intermediaries between Iran and the US.

“Several points have been shared through regional mediators. We are currently assessing the details of each diplomatic process and hope these efforts will yield results in the near future,” Baghaei said, adding that discussions are focused on the structure and process of potential talks.

The remarks come amid heightened military activity, as the US Navy increases its presence near Iranian waters. US President Donald Trump said last week that Iran was “seriously talking” with Washington, shortly after Iran’s senior security official Ali Larijani confirmed on social media platform X that arrangements for negotiations were underway.

Trump also expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Tehran, despite Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning that any US military action could trigger a wider regional conflict.

Responding to Khamenei’s comments, Trump appeared unconcerned, saying it was expected for Iran’s leader to issue such warnings.

On Saturday, Trump again highlighted the proximity of US naval forces to Iran, describing them as the most powerful ships in the world positioned very close to the region. He reiterated that while Washington hopes for a diplomatic agreement, it is prepared for alternative outcomes if talks fail.

“Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If not, we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.

February 3, 2026 0 comment

Iran

EU Labels Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a Terror Group Over Protest Crackdown

by Farwa January 31, 2026

written by Farwa

BRUSSELS: The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, condemning Tehran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests and escalating pressure on the Iranian leadership.

The decision was approved by foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc in Brussels and was described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a long-awaited step against what she called brutal repression of Iranian citizens.

Alongside the designation, the EU imposed fresh sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian officials and state-linked entities. Those targeted include senior security and judicial figures accused of playing a key role in the crackdown.

Tehran reacted sharply, warning that the move would have “destructive consequences” for relations with Europe. Iranian authorities maintain that many of those killed during the unrest were security personnel or victims of violent rioters, putting the death toll at over 3,000. However, international rights groups argue the number of civilians killed by security forces could be far higher.

The IRGC, created after Iran’s 1979 revolution, serves as the ideological backbone of the country’s military establishment and has vast economic influence across strategic industries.

Despite the tough stance, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said diplomatic channels with Tehran would remain open. European officials insist the step is aimed at accountability, not closing the door to dialogue.

France and Italy recently shifted their positions to support the designation, helping build consensus within the bloc. Paris said there must be “no impunity” for those responsible for the violence and called on Iran to halt executions, lift internet restrictions and release detained protesters.

Israel welcomed the EU action as historic. The move brings the bloc in line with previous terror designations of the IRGC by the United States, Canada and Australia.

While the practical impact may be limited because the IRGC and many of its leaders were already under EU sanctions, analysts say the symbolic weight is significant and sends a strong political signal to Tehran.

The EU has repeatedly sanctioned Iranian individuals and organisations over past protest crackdowns as well as Iran’s military cooperation with Russia in the Ukraine war.

January 31, 2026 0 comment

Iran USA

Iran Warns US Against Military Threats as Aircraft Carrier Moves Into Region

by Farwa January 28, 2026

written by Farwa

PARIS (The Pak Global Pakistan) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday warned that continued US threats against Iran would only deepen instability across the Middle East, as a US naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier moved into the region amid rising tensions.

The warning comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln to Middle Eastern waters, signalling that Washington has not ruled out military action against Tehran over its ongoing crackdown on nationwide protests.

Speaking during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Pezeshkian said US threats were “aimed at undermining regional security” and would result in “nothing but instability.”

The United States maintains several military bases across the Middle East, prompting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to issue a stark warning to neighbouring countries.

“Neighbouring countries are our friends, but if their land, airspace, or waters are used against Iran, they will be treated as hostile,” said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, political deputy of the IRGC naval forces, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.

Mixed Signals From Washington

Since Iran launched a sweeping crackdown on protests earlier this month—accompanied by a near-total internet blackout—President Trump has delivered mixed messages on possible intervention. While some opposition groups believe foreign action is the only path to change, Trump has alternated between threats and hints of diplomacy.

“We have a big armada next to Iran,” Trump told Axios on Monday. “But they want to make a deal. I know they do. They’ve reached out many times.”

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Tehran has previously acknowledged the existence of indirect communication channels between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

According to Axios, Trump declined to publicly discuss military options presented by his national security team. Analysts suggest these range from limited strikes on military targets to direct attacks aimed at dismantling Iran’s ruling system under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

‘Weakest Point Since 1979’

The New York Times reported that US intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s leadership is under unprecedented pressure, describing the regime’s grip on power as its weakest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

US Senator Lindsey Graham said the ultimate objective discussed with Trump was “ending the regime,” arguing that any pause in repression would be temporary if the current leadership remains in control.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, have appeared cautious about further escalation. However, Iranian media briefly quoted an IRGC spokesman as warning that any US aircraft carrier entering Iranian territorial waters would be targeted—a statement later retracted with an apology.

Conservative outlets in Iran have also suggested that Tehran could respond by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. An anti-US billboard depicting the destruction of an American aircraft carrier has appeared in Tehran.

Deadly Crackdown and Mass Arrests

Human rights groups describe the ongoing repression as the deadliest crackdown on protests in Iran’s history, noting that a prolonged internet blackout has made verification difficult.

According to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 6,126 people have been confirmed killed, including 5,777 protesters, 86 minors, 214 security personnel, and 49 bystanders. The group said it is still investigating more than 17,000 additional possible deaths.

HRANA also reported that over 41,880 people have been arrested, accusing security forces of relying on mass arrests, intimidation, and information control.

Meanwhile, Netblocks reported limited restoration of internet access but warned connectivity remains heavily restricted. Iran International, a Persian-language channel based abroad, has claimed far higher casualty figures, though those reports could not be independently verified.

January 28, 2026 0 comment