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US and Iran slide towards conflict as military buildup eclipses talks - Reuters

US and Iran slide towards conflict as military buildup eclipses talks - Reuters

US and Iran slide towards conflict as military buildup eclipses talks Reuters

February 20, 2026 at 10:29 PM Original source
11 agencies covered this story

Coverage by Political Leaning

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Notable Quotes

"I guess I can say I am considering that."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"I don’t think it takes long, perhaps, in a matter of a week or so, we can start real, serious negotiations on the text and come to a conclusion."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"We are prepared for diplomacy, and we are prepared for negotiation as much as we are prepared for war."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"Iran would treat any kinetic action as an existential threat."

— Ali Vaez , Academic

"Failure to reach an agreement with his administration would be 'very traumatic.'"

— Donald Trump , Politician

"Iran is 'ready for any kind of verification.'"

— Masoud Pezeshkian , Politician

"A change in power in Iran 'would be the best thing that could happen.'"

— Donald Trump , Politician

"A diplomatic solution is at our reach; we can easily achieve [it]."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"I guess I can say I am considering that."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"The US side has not asked for zero enrichment."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"Iran would be very wise to make a deal."

— Karoline Leavitt , Politician

"Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, the US may need to use an Indian Ocean airbase in the Chagos Islands."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"The consequences are not good."

— Sergey Lavrov , Politician

"I guess I can say I am considering [a limited strike]."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"They better negotiate a fair deal."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"That has been tested last year. There were huge attacks on our facilities – they killed and assassinated our scientists – but they couldn’t kill our nuclear programme."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence."

— Abbas Araghchi , Politician

"Even the world's 'strongest military' could 'be struck so hard that it cannot even get back on its feet.'"

— Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , Politician

"Everyone understands this is playing with fire."

— Sergey Lavrov , Politician

All Coverage

Reutersvia rss

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNWDBxMnplYnpWM3JqdGFULXFvVGg3YXhQb3p1VWVvWUhKeWw1X3NCYW9fVW1DOEFxRW5lOGVGNXBjYXctaDBRYVZPTkl5eFZUdGhsdmgwN3N4QnZRdEhSZlJ4X2N5V0E1T181bTlCQUNzY182elZVV0lSdXM1QnVXX2ZyNkREX1g2a0NDak8wZjFVUFE3X2lTYTZwWERPYmJQWXFFVDYtMnJ6UGdCRzhfM1NxRHVXUnM?oc=5" target="_blank">US and Iran slide towards conflict as military buildup eclipses talks</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

100%
Al Jazeeravia ai 3 quotes 3 persons

The U.S. warns Iran to reach a deal or face strikes, as Tehran and Moscow announce joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman to deter any unilateral action in the region.

80%
The Guardianvia ai 4 quotes 2 persons

Iran plans to finalize a draft deal in the next two to three days, while President Trump considers limited military strikes if a deal is not reached over Iran's nuclear program.

80%
Newsweekvia ai 2 quotes 2 persons

Iran conducts joint military drills with Russia in response to the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, including advanced jets and warships.

80%
The Washington Postvia ai

A second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. concludes without a breakthrough, amid an expanded U.S. military presence in the Middle East and threats of military action if a deal is not reached.

80%
Associated Pressvia ai 3 quotes 2 persons

The U.S. and Iran are set to resume nuclear negotiations in Geneva, marking the second round of indirect talks. Tensions remain high, with President Trump warning of severe consequences for Iran if no agreement is reached.

80%
Axiosvia ai

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agree to intensify economic pressure on Iran, particularly targeting its oil exports to China, as part of the U.S.'s broader 'maximum pressure' campaign.

80%
Axiosvia ai

The U.S. and Iran report progress in their nuclear negotiations held in Geneva, with both sides agreeing to return in two weeks with detailed proposals to address unresolved issues.

80%
Associated Pressvia ai

Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi meets with IAEA head Grossi in Geneva ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations with the U.S., amid regional tensions and military drills near vital oil trade routes.

80%
Al Jazeeravia ai 3 quotes 2 persons

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticizes the U.S. military build-up in the Middle East and expresses optimism about achieving a diplomatic solution with the U.S. over its nuclear program.

80%
Associated Pressvia ai 4 quotes 3 persons

President Trump signals potential military action against Iran if nuclear talks fail, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi anticipates a draft nuclear deal soon. Tensions rise amid U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.

80%