United States

Can US-Iran war be averted as Tehran obfuscates in Oman talks? - analysis

“Iranian officials often say they want negotiations, but when negotiations start, they hesitate,” said Serhan Afacan, head of the Center for Iranian Studies in Ankara.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his accompanying delegation depart for the site of the talks in Muscat, Oman, February 6, 2026.
Female emissaries of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement gather for a group photo in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Feb. 6, 2026.

From far corners of the Jewish world, the women of Chabad gather in freezing Brooklyn

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order for the "Great American Recovery Initiative" to coordinate a federal government response to drug addiction and substance abuse, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, January 29, 2026.

Trump signs executive order imposing tariffs on countries doing business with Iran

World leaders gather during a charter announcement for US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026

US to host Gaza Board of Peace meeting amid push for Phase II deal - Axios


Trump says Iran willing to make deal, further US-Iran talks planned for next week

The talks were attended by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Central Command head General Brad Cooper, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

US President Donald Trump looks on as he speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, US, November 2, 2025

US accuses China of secret nuclear testing as it calls for broad new arms treaty after New START

The accusations at a global disarmament conference highlighted serious tensions between Washington and Beijing at a pivotal moment in nuclear arms control.

Chinese and US flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing, April 8, 2025.

US reiterates call for all citizens to 'leave Iran now,' in security alert on open border crossings

The US urged its citizens to "leave Iran now" due to protests, security measures, and flight disruptions. Dual nationals face the risk of detention, the travel advisory warned.

 An Iranian woman walks past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, April 26, 2025; illustrative

Talking to Tehran: Why US returned to the negotiating table as Iran was at its weakest

MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: That is a question many are now asking, alongside other questions that reflect a deeper sense of confusion: Wasn’t the issue Iran’s killing of protesters, not centrifuges?

Iranians hold banners during the annual al-Quds Day in Tehran, Iran, March 28, 2025

US military says it killed two people in strike on suspected drug vessel in Eastern Pacific

According to CNN, at least 119 people have now been killed in American military strikes on suspected drug boats as part of the Trump administrations so-called campaign against narcotics trafficking. 

The top deck of US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with fighter jets, December 1, 2025; illustrative.

Taiwan teams up with US firm Kratos to build Mighty Hornet IV attack drones to counter China

The Mighty Hornet IV is being developed as a low-cost, cruise missile-like weapon, and the two sides aim to base a "large quantity" of the systems in Taiwan as both a deterrent and a wartime asset.

Starling's new VTOL drone design for enhanced operational flexibility

'Saving money, being healthy': Trump unveils TrumpRx discounted medication website

The website is targeted at consumers looking to buy drugs without using insurance, meaning that most purchases would not count toward patients' insurance deductibles.

US President Donald Trump speaks during an event to unveil the TrumpRx drug discount site, in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, in Washington, DC, US, February 5, 2026.

Missile barrages and cyber operations: Iran outlines multi-front war plan against US - report

The concept echoes recent years of proxy warfare across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, where Houthi maritime attacks disrupted shipping and drew international responses.

Soldiers march during a military parade to mark the Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025.

Israel estimates slim prospects for US-Iran agreement in Oman talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with United States President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Muscat, Oman on Friday.

US President Donald Trump bows his head in prayer during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC on February 5, 2026.

Araghchi joins Trump envoy Witkoff in Oman for US-Iran talks - report

The talks are scheduled to take place on Friday morning and will focus on Iran's nuclear program, despite US requests to cover broader topics.

IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Abbas Araghchi recently declared: ‘Our missile power today far surpasses that of the 12-day war,’ the writer notes.