Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:12am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Student-led protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei entered a second consecutive day at universities in Tehran and Mashhad, even as US-Iran nuclear negotiations advanced toward a crucial Geneva meeting confirmed for Thursday, February 26, by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. The diplomatic push follows President Trump's stark 10-15 day ultimatum demanding Iran finalise a nuclear deal or face consequences he described as "unfortunate." Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides were working toward a deal while warning Iran would retaliate if attacked. Separately, Axios reported Trump was presented with options including a plan targeting Khamenei. A significant US military presence of 13 warships including aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains stationed across the Middle East. (PC: X & HT)
