Iran Protests & Nuclear Talks: Fears of US Conflict Rise | Latest Updates
- Tehran and Washington are navigating a period of heightened tension as diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain stalled, coinciding with a significant US military build-up...
- The protests, which began in December, were initially triggered by economic hardship exacerbated by international sanctions.
- US President Donald Trump initially voiced support for the protesters, even suggesting potential intervention, but his focus soon shifted to Iran’s nuclear program.
Tehran and Washington are navigating a period of heightened tension as diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain stalled, coinciding with a significant US military build-up in the Middle East. Fresh pro- and anti-government rallies took place in Iran on Sunday, , commemorating those killed in recent protests, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
The protests, which began in December, were initially triggered by economic hardship exacerbated by international sanctions. However, they quickly evolved into widespread demonstrations challenging the authority of Iran’s clerical leadership, representing one of the most significant internal challenges the Islamic Republic has faced in years. The authorities acknowledge over 3,000 deaths during the unrest, including security forces and civilians, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts” instigated by external adversaries. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports a significantly higher toll, recording more than 7,000 deaths, the majority of whom were protesters, though the actual number may be considerably higher.
US President Donald Trump initially voiced support for the protesters, even suggesting potential intervention, but his focus soon shifted to Iran’s nuclear program. Washington maintains concerns that Iran’s nuclear ambitions extend beyond civilian applications. Trump has simultaneously pursued a substantial increase in the US military presence in the region, aiming to exert pressure on Iran to reach an agreement. This build-up includes the deployment of two aircraft carriers and numerous fighter jets.
Sunday’s rallies saw gatherings at universities across Tehran, with reports of both pro- and anti-government demonstrations. Videos circulating online, including footage geolocated to Sharif University of Technology, showed large crowds chanting slogans against the government and displaying the pre-1979 Iranian flag. Fars news agency reported “tensions” at several universities, with students engaging in opposing chants. Iran International, a media outlet based outside the country and designated as a “terrorist” organisation by Tehran, also shared videos of the demonstrations.
Recent diplomatic efforts have centered on indirect talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, with a second round held in Switzerland. While both sides have described the talks as generally positive, a breakthrough remains elusive. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated on , that a diplomatic solution appeared “within our reach” and that Iran planned to submit a draft proposal to Washington in the coming days.
According to a senior US official cited by Axios, Washington is prepared to reconvene talks in Geneva on , should Iran submit its proposal within the next 48 hours. This willingness to continue negotiations is occurring alongside the continued military build-up, signaling a dual-track approach of diplomacy backed by the threat of force.
Trump’s administration has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal, with the President stating he believes Iran has “10 to 15 days” to reach an agreement. He has also suggested a willingness to consider regime change in Iran, stating that a change in power would be “the best thing” for the region, and embracing the potential for “tremendous power” to shift in the Middle East. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s chief Middle East negotiator, questioned why Iran had not yet yielded to US pressure, asking why they hadn’t “capitulated” given the scale of the US military presence.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, asserting its right to enrich uranium for civilian applications. However, the international community remains concerned about the potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. A previous attempt at nuclear diplomacy was disrupted last year by an Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian facilities, which led to a 12-day conflict in June, briefly involving US strikes on nuclear sites.
The escalating tensions and the prospect of renewed conflict have fueled anxieties among the Iranian population. Residents of Tehran expressed fears of war, with one individual, Hamid, stating he “doesn’t sleep well at night” due to concerns for his family’s safety. Another resident, Mina Ahmadvand, believes that “war between Iran and the US as well as Israel is inevitable” and has begun preparing for such an eventuality.
Several foreign governments have advised their citizens to leave Iran, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland, and Australia, citing the rapidly evolving security situation and the potential for disruptions to commercial flights. This reflects a growing international concern about the potential for a wider conflict in the region.
Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, has pledged that Iran will not succumb to US pressure in the nuclear talks, stating, “We will not bow down in the face of any of these difficulties.” He accused world powers of “cowardice” in attempting to force concessions from Iran, and affirmed Iran’s resolve to resist external pressure.