Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:55pm on 17 Feb 2026,Tuesday International
Iran conducted live-fire missile drills in the Strait of Hormuz temporarily closing parts of the strategic waterway as indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran concluded in Geneva after nearly three hours. Mediated by Oman, the talks yielded limited progress, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirming both sides agreed on broad "guiding principles" but cautioning no deal was imminent. Supreme Leader Khamenei simultaneously reaffirmed Iran's nuclear enrichment as an undeniable national right, warning against coercive US pressure. Washington insists on curbing Iran's nuclear programme and missile stockpile, while Tehran firmly rejects expanding negotiations beyond nuclear limits and sanctions relief. US President Trump confirmed indirect involvement, expressing cautious optimism.
