Donald Trump has said the US faces a “big decision” over military strikes on Iran, as the crisis over Tehran’s nuclear programme worsens.
“I’d rather do it the peaceful way, but they’re very difficult people...they’re very dangerous people,” Trump said during a speech in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.
Staff have been withdrawn from the British Embassy in Iran, ahead of the possible US strikes. At the US embassy in Jerusalem, non-emergency US staff and their families have been told to leave Israel due to safety risks.
Speaking to reporters on his way to Texas on Friday, Trump said: "I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. I'm not thrilled with that. We'll see what happens. We're talking later. We'll have some additional talks today."
Trump briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, underlining that while he preferred a diplomatic solution, he would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
It comes as an International Atomic Energy Agency report said Iran stored highly enriched uranium at underground sites, close to weapons-grade.
Trump-Iran
- UK and US withdraw all staff from Iranian embassies ahead of potential strikes
- Trump claims Iran ‘is building missiles that can reach the US’
- F35s, tankers and world’s largest warship: America's largest military build-up in region in decades
- Highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, stored underground in Iran, says IAEA
- UN nuclear watchdog calls for critical verification activities in Iran 'without further delay'
- JD Vance says 'no chance' war in Iran would last years
Donald Trump unhappy with negotiations
04:15 , Namita SinghDonald Trump sounded more pessimistic, telling reporters as he visited Texas yesterday that Iranian negotiators "don't want to quite go far enough. It's too bad."
He reiterated that he did not want to see Iran allowed to enrich any amount of uranium and said the oil-rich nation should not need to enrich uranium for an energy program.
When asked by a reporter how close he was to deciding on whether to launch a military strike, he said, "I'd rather not tell you”.
Earlier in the day, he was asked at the White House about the risks of the US getting involved in a drawn-out conflict if it strikes Iran.
"I guess you could say there's always a risk," Trump replied. "You know, when there's war, there's a risk of anything, both good and bad."
Mediator urges Trump to give room for negotiation
04:00 , Namita SinghDespite Donald Trump's negative assessment, one of the mediators of the talks later on Friday appeared to issue a public plea to let the negotiations continue.
Oman's foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, said on CBS's Face the Nation that he felt a deal was within reach if the process could play out.
"If I was President Trump, my only advice is just to give those negotiators enough room, enough space to really close these remaining areas that we need to discuss and agree upon (sic)," he said.
TV host makes argument for immediate US strikes
03:45 , Rachel DobkinFox News’ Sean Hannity has argued that the United States shouldn’t wait to carry out military strikes against Iran as Tehran pursues its nuclear programme.
“Six months from now, God only knows how far advanced they will be. Do I wish we could stay out of it? I do. Do I stand with the [Donald] Trump doctrine? I do. This is consistent with the Trump doctrine. You know, see a threat and wipe it out before it gets to you, and then it becomes a much bigger problem”, the US TV host said on his podcast The Sean Hannity Show, per the nonprofit group Media Matters For America.
“No boots on the ground. No forever wars. The president is going to unleash hell is my prediction, and we will win”, Hannity said.
US warns against travelling to Iran 'for any reason'
03:30 , Rachel DobkinThe US State Department has warned against travelling to Iran “for any reason” as the country threatens military strikes against Tehran.
“Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately. U.S. citizens are at risk due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, torture, and wrongful detention,” the State Department warned.
Trump says he is 'not happy' with the Iran nuclear talks
03:20 , Namita SinghUS president Donald Trump said yesterday that he's "not happy" with the latest talks over Iran's nuclear program but indicated he would give negotiators more time to reach a deal to avert another war in the Middle East.
He spoke a day after US envoys held another inconclusive round of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva.
As American forces gather in the region, Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a far-reaching deal on its nuclear program, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon.
"I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. I'm not thrilled with that. We'll see what happens. We're talking later," Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday.
Donald TrumpWe're not exactly happy with the way they're negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons.
Any deal with Iran has to be meaningful, Trump says
03:05 , Namita SinghUS president told a crowd in Corpus Christi, Texas, that he would rather handle Tehran "the peaceful way", saying he laid out his terms for an agreement with the country to the Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn as they flew together on Air Force One on Friday.
Trump said (if) Iran wants to make a deal, it has to be "meaningful" in stopping the possibility of the country developing enough enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.
He called it "a very big decision", as he criticised Iran for human rights abuses.
Flashback: US bombs Iran nuclear sites
03:00 , Rachel DobkinLast June, the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
The Trump administration claimed at the time that Iran’s nuclear programme was “obliterated.”
But during his State of the Union address earlier this week, US President Donald Trump warned about Iran pursuing its nuclear programme and said Tehran was "working on missiles that will soon reach" the US.
Read more about the US strikes on Iran over the summer:
US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran as Trump hails ‘very successful’ strikes
Odds of US striking Iran over the weekend, according to Polymarket
02:30 , Rachel DobkinThe odds that the US strikes Iran over the weekend are slim, according to Polymarket, which calls itself the world’s largest prediction market.
There is just a 19 percent chance that the US will launch a military attack on Iran by Saturday, according to Polymarket. There is a 79 percent chance of the strikes happening by the end of the year on Polymarket.
Protests in Iran continue amid threat of US strikes
02:00 , Rachel DobkinPeople in Iran have continued to protest against the government as the US threatens military strikes against Tehran over its nuclear programme.
University students in Iran are holding protests calling for the government to be overthrown, The New York Times reported.
The new wave of anti-government demonstrations, which started last Saturday, comes after thousands were killed in Iran’s crackdown on protesters last month, per the NYT.
Watch: Trump issues warning to Iran during State of the Union address
01:30 , Rachel Dobkin'I'm not happy', Trump says over Iran
01:00 , Shaheena UddinUS president Trump said on Friday: "I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. I'm not thrilled with that.
“We'll see what happens. We're talking later. We'll have some additional talks today."
When questioned over if he has decided to attack Iran, Trump responded: "Well, we haven't made a final decision. We're not exactly happy with the way they negotiated. Again. They cannot have nuclear weapons. We're not thrilled with the way they're negotiating."
Recap: Italy and Poland urged its citizens to leave Iran
00:30 , Shaheena UddinSeveral governments have issued similar warnings in recent days.
Poland’s foreign ministry has also called on citizens to immediately evacuate Iran, Israel and Lebanon, due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Italian’ foreign ministry on Friday advised extreme caution across the Middle East citing escalating tensions and unstable security conditions.
Britain said on Friday it had temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran and closed its embassy amid rising regional tensions.
The United States has built up a large military presence across the Middle East ahead of a possible strike on Iran, as talks between the two countries over Tehran's nuclear ambitions continue with no sign of a breakthrough.
Iran stored highly enriched uranium - close to weapons grade - at underground site, IAEA report says
00:00 , Shaheena UddinThe UN’s nuclear watchdog has said that some of Iran’s most highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, was stored in an underground area of its nuclear site in Isfahan.
The information was shared in a confidential report sent to member states on Friday and seen by Reuters.
It is the first time the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported where uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, has been stored.
The tunnel complex's entrance was hit in U.S. and Israeli military strikes in June but the facility seems largely unharmed, diplomats say.
Trump says 'we have a big decision to make' in case of Iran
Friday 27 February 2026 23:58 , Shaheena UddinPRESIDENT TRUMP on IRAN: We have a big decision to make that’s not easy. I’d rather do it the peaceful way, but I want to tell you that these are very dangerous and difficult people. pic.twitter.com/QeeNeq6EFQ
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 27, 2026
Trump’s claim Iranian missiles could soon strike US ‘unsupported by US intelligence’
Friday 27 February 2026 23:30 , Shaheena Uddin Trump’s claim Iranian missiles could soon strike US ‘unsupported by US intelligence’
Belgian citizens urged to 'leave Iran as soon as possible'
Friday 27 February 2026 22:57 , Shaheena UddinThe security situation in the Middle East remains volatile. We advise all Belgians in the region to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of the local authorities, and closely consult our travel advice.
— 🇧🇪 Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) February 27, 2026
🇮🇱🇱🇧 All non-essential travel to Israel & Lebanon is discouraged. pic.twitter.com/uKQ7AT5LmU
Watch: Trump warns Iran deal impossible until nuclear enrichment stops
Friday 27 February 2026 22:25 , Shaheena UddinIran designated as a state sponsor of wrongful detention, Rubio says
Friday 27 February 2026 22:09 , Shaheena UddinUS secretary of state said: “Today, I am designating Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.”
He added: “When the Iranian regime seized power 47 years ago, Ayatollah Khomeini consolidated his control of power by endorsing the hostage taking of U.S. embassy staff.
“For decades, Iran has continued to cruelly detain innocent Americans, as well as citizens of other nations, to use as political leverage against other states. This abhorrent practice must end.
“President Trump issued an Executive Order to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad last fall and Congress subsequently enacted the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, authorising the Department to designate Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.
“If Iran does not stop, we will be forced to consider additional measures, including a potential geographic travel restriction on the use of U.S. passports to, through, or from Iran. The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions. We encourage it to do so.
“No American should travel to Iran for any reason. We reiterate our call for Americans who are currently in Iran to leave immediately.”
US issue travel ban on Iran
Friday 27 February 2026 21:54 , Shaheena UddinThe US state department has said no American should travel to Iran for any reason.
They have also reiterated their call for Americans who are currently in Iran to leave immediately.
The US has demanded the Iranian regime to stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran.
Rubio says Iran designated as a state sponsor of wrongful detention
Friday 27 February 2026 21:47 , Shaheena UddinUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday he has designated Iran as a state sponsor of wrongful detention.
"The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions," Rubio stated.
Tensions are mounting between the US and Iran, despite the two countries having conducted discussions over Iran's nuclear program on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was disappointed with the negotiations, warning, "sometimes you have to use force."
'No enrichment' for Iran, Trump says
Friday 27 February 2026 21:42 , Shaheena UddinUS President Donald Trump said on Friday he was "not happy with the negotiation" with Iran over Tehran's nuclear program and that he does not want any enrichment for Iran.
Trump said you don’t have to enrich “when you have that much oil”.
"I am not happy with the negotiation," Trump said. "I say no enrichment."
Trump says 'we're negotiating right now but they're not getting the right answer'
Friday 27 February 2026 21:40 , Shaheena UddinUS president Trump addressed reporters in Corpus Christi who asked about the negotiations with Iran. Trump said: “We’re negotiating right now but they’re not getting to the right answer.”
He added: “We are not happy with the negotiations. They don’t want to say the key words ‘we’re not going to have a nuclear weapon’ and they just can’t get there.
“Well they should make a deal but they don’t want to quite go far enough. It’s too bad”, the president said.
Recap: Trump says 'sometimes you have to use force'
Friday 27 February 2026 21:12 , Shaheena UddinUS President Donald Trump expressed disappointment on Friday about how negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have been going. He warned that "sometimes you have to use force," as the US has built up a huge military presence in the region that could be used to send strikes on the Islamic Republic.
Trump has increased diplomatic and military pressure on Iran following weeks after an Iranian crackdown on protesters. He is attempting to force the country's rulers to give up nuclear weapons and other activities Washington sees as destabilising.
After the latest discussions on Thursday in Geneva ended with no deal, Trump's patience appeared to be wearing thin, although he said he had not made a final decision on whether he would attack. A big US military force, including two aircraft carrier groups are situated in the region waiting on Trump's order.
"They cannot have nuclear weapons. And we're not thrilled with the way they're negotiating. We'll see how it all works out," Trump told reporters as he left the White House on a trip to Texas.
Iran has denied it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons and wants any deal to include the lifting of US sanctions against it.
While Trump's timing for a final decision is unclear, the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to due to hold talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 1 and 2.
The United States joined Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran in June, striking major nuclear facilities.
Asked about the potential for use of force, Trump said the United States has the greatest military in the world.
"I'd love not to use it but sometimes you have to," he said.
US secretary of state to travel to Israel
Friday 27 February 2026 20:45 , Shaheena UddinUS secretary of state Marco Rubio is to travel to Israel next week, according to a statement released on Friday.
He will discuss Iran amid America’s large military buildup in the region.
The State Department said Rubio would travel to Israel between 2 and 3 March.
He is also set to discuss other regional priorities, including Lebanon and U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.
Insiders said Iran refused to end nuclear enrichment in talks this week
Friday 27 February 2026 20:15 , Shaheena UddinCiting unnamed US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that nuclear talks between US and Iran finished with both sides still far apart on key issues.
People familiar with the talks said Iran had objected to the idea of ending enrichment, dismantling its nuclear facilities, and imposing permanent restrictions on its programme.
Washington views nuclear enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons, and has been unequivocal that Iran cannot be allowed to have one.
JD Vance says 'no chance' war in Iran would last years
Friday 27 February 2026 19:45 , Shaheena UddinJD Vance has said there is “no chance” the United States will become embroiled in a years-long war with Iran if Donald Trump decides to launch fresh strikes.
He said the president is still weighing his options, with indirect talks ongoing to try and curb Iran’s nuclear programme.
Vance’s comments follow reports that Trump’s advisers would prefer Israel strike Iran first, as Americans would react more favourably to the US supporting an ally than picking a fight with Tehran without clear provocation.
Mr Vance told The Washington Post that the country would not be drawn into another long war in the desert, following unsuccessful US military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight – there is no chance that will happen,” he said, pointing to the US capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January and the strikes on Iran last summer as operations that were “very clearly defined”.
UK warns against travelling to Israel and Palestine
Friday 27 February 2026 19:31 , Lucy LeesonDue to ongoing regional tensions, we have updated our travel advice and recommend against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine. We continue to recommend against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) February 27, 2026
British nationals are advised to review these changes and… pic.twitter.com/ofUl9uh2wl
Omid Djalili: Iranians will fight to the very end against this regime
Friday 27 February 2026 19:15 , Shaheena UddinTrump sends steep list of U.S. demands and preps for further strikes as Iran claims ‘significant progress’ in nuclear talks
Friday 27 February 2026 18:53 , Shaheena Uddin Trump presents list of U.S. demands but Iran claims ‘significant progress’ in talks
Trump says 'sometimes you have to' use military force
Friday 27 February 2026 18:41 , Shaheena UddinUS President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “not happy” with Iran and is keen to make a deal with Tehran but warned that "sometimes you have to" use military force.
Trump told reporters as he left the White House on a trip to Texas, that Iran was still unwilling to give up nuclear weapons as demanded by the United States.
He spoke a day after negotiations between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian officials in Geneva ended with no deal. A massive US military presence is currently in the region waiting on Trump's order.
Asked about the potential for use of force, Trump said the United States has the greatest military in the world.
"I'd love not to use it but sometimes you have to," he said.
Trump said more discussions on Iran would take place later in the day. He did not specify with whom, but top US defence officials were at the White House on Thursday for talks.
"We want no nuclear weapons by Iran and they're not saying those golden words," Trump said.
Three flights cancelled from Istanbul to Tehran, airport data shows
Friday 27 February 2026 18:37 , Shaheena UddinThree flights on Friday from Istanbul to Iran’s Tehran have been cancelled, according to Istanbul airport data.
They included a Turkish Airlines flight, an ATA Airlines flight and a Qeshm Air flight, the data showed.
No reason for the cancellations was immediately provided. Turkish Airlines could not be immediately reached for comment.
Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun said on X: "We do not have any flight cancellations. Our flights operated in daytime conditions continue as planned."
Trump’s claim Iranian missiles could soon strike US ‘unsupported by US intelligence’
Friday 27 February 2026 18:22 , Shaheena UddinDonald Trump’s assertion that Iran will soon possess a missile capable of striking the United States is reportedly not backed by US intelligence reports, with three sources suggesting the claim appears exaggerated. This casts doubt on part of his justification for a possible attack on the Islamic Republic.
During his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, Mr Trump began making his case to the American public for why the US could launch strikes against Iran, stating Tehran was "working on missiles that will soon reach" the United States.
However, two sources confirm there have been no changes to an unclassified 2025 US Defense Intelligence Agency assessment. This report indicates Iran could take until 2035 to develop a "militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile" (ICBM) from its existing satellite-lofting space-launch vehicles (SLV).
The Independent’s Jonathan Landay reports:
Trump’s claim Iranian missiles could soon strike US ‘unsupported by US intelligence’
'I'm not happy', Trump says over Iran
Friday 27 February 2026 18:03 , Shaheena UddinUS president Trump said: "I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. I'm not thrilled with that.
“We'll see what happens. We're talking later. We'll have some additional talks today."
When questioned over if he has decided to attack Iran, Trump responded: "Well, we haven't made a final decision. We're not exactly happy with the way they negotiated. Again. They cannot have nuclear weapons. We're not thrilled with the way they're negotiating."
Italy urges its citizens to leave Iran
Friday 27 February 2026 18:00 , Shaheena UddinItaly is the latest country to call for its citizens to evacuate Iran. The Italian’ foreign ministry on Friday advised extreme caution across the Middle East citing escalating tensions and unstable security conditions.
"Italians in (Iran) for tourism or whose presence is not strictly necessary are urged to depart," the ministry stated, also strong discouraging travel to Iraq and Lebanon.
The warning also advised Italian nationals in Israel to exercise maximum caution and remain vigilant.
Several governments have issued similar warnings in recent days. Poland’s foreign ministry has also called on citizens to immediately evacuate Iran, Israel and Lebanon, due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Britain said on Friday it had temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran and closed its embassy amid rising regional tensions.
The United States has built up a large military presence across the Middle East ahead of a possible strike on Iran, as talks between the two countries over Tehran's nuclear ambitions continue with no sign of a breakthrough.
Watch: Iran targets doctors and lawyers for helping protesters
Friday 27 February 2026 17:55 , Shaheena UddinTrump says Iran cannot have have nuclear weapons but is keen to make a deal
Friday 27 February 2026 17:38 , Shaheena UddinUS President Donald Trump has said Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons and he is not happy with Iran.
But more talks are expected to take place on Friday on Tehran’s nuclear programme, as Trump has said he is keen to make a deal with Iran.
Trump made the comments to reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Texas.
When asked about using military force in Iran, Trump replied he doesn’t want to “but sometimes you have to”.
Talks over Tehran's nuclear program continued this week amid a huge US military buildup in the region.
Mediator Oman sent its foreign minister to Washington on Friday for discussions on the issue with US Vice President JD Vance, according to a close source.
Rise in military aircrafts at Saudi airbase used by US forces, satellite images show
Friday 27 February 2026 17:26 , Shaheena UddinDuring a four-day period in February, satellite images showcased an increase in the amount of military support aircrafts, including refuelling tankers, present at a Saudi airbase used by the US military. It shows that Washington is building forces in the region amidst tensions with Iran.
Saudi Arabia, which is a longstanding US ally, told Iran last month it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran. This week Iran held indirect negotiations with Washington on Thursday over its nuclear programme in Tehran.
In a high-resolution satellite image taken on February 21, at least 43 aircraft were visible at Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Airbase - which has hosted US forces for decades - compared with 27 aircraft visible in a February 17 image.
The number dropped to 38 in a February 25 image.
UK relocates some staff inside Israel over fears of escalations
Friday 27 February 2026 17:15 , Shaheena UddinBritain has temporarily relocated some of its diplomatic staff and their dependants from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel, as a precautionary measure due to rising tensions in the region, the Foreign Office said on Friday.
Britain said its embassy in Tel Aviv continued to operate normally, but warned that the security situation "could escalate quickly" and that international borders, including air and land routes, might close with little notice.
Additionally, Britain advised against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine, and continued to advise avoiding some areas entirely. It warned that while missile and drone attacks on Israel had become less frequent, the risk remained across Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The US and Iran made progress in discussions over Tehran's nuclear program on Thursday, mediator Oman said, but there was no sign of a breakthrough that could prevent potential US strikes as American air and sea forces arrive in the Middle East.
France on Friday reinforced its warnings to nationals not to travel to Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank because of the security situation in Iran.
Israel fought a 12-day war against Iran last June, which the United States joined in the final stages to attack and target Iranian nuclear facilities.
Poland calls for evacuation of citizens from Iran, Israel and Lebanon
Friday 27 February 2026 17:08 , Shaheena UddinThe Polish foreign ministry has called on citizens to immediately evacuate Iran, Israel and Lebanon, due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
"The security situation in the Middle East is unstable. The risk of escalation is high! Airspace for civilian traffic may be closed. Return by air may be impossible or significantly hindered," it said on social media platform X on Friday in three posts regarding Iran, Israel and Lebanon.
UK withdraws Tehran embassy staff ahead of possible US strikes on Iran
Friday 27 February 2026 17:02 , Shaheena UddinBritain pulled its staff out of Iran on Friday amid mounting fears that the US is preparing imminent strikes.
The foreign office said its ability to support British nationals was now extremely limited, as rising tensions over a stalled nuclear deal threatened to throw the region back into all-out conflict.
Donald Trump’s stated deadline for Iran to make a deal is on course to expire as soon as Sunday, with insiders warning that negotiators remain far apart on key issues as Washington refuses to rule out an attack.
The Independent’s James C. Reynolds reports:
UK withdraws Tehran embassy staff ahead of possible US strikes on Iran
UK warns against non-essential travel to Israel and Palestinian territories
Friday 27 February 2026 16:57 , Maira ButtBritain's Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, in an update on Friday.
“We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel,” a statement on the website read.
“Our Embassy continues to operate as normal. The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks.
“Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”
JD Vance says 'no chance' war in Iran would last years
Friday 27 February 2026 16:44 , Maira ButtJD Vance has said there is “no chance” the United States will become embroiled in a years-long war with Iran if Donald Trump decides to launch fresh strikes.
He said the president is still weighing his options, with indirect talks ongoing to try and curb Iran’s nuclear programme.
Vance’s comments follow reports that Trump’s advisers would prefer Israel strike Iran first, as Americans would react more favourably to the US supporting an ally than picking a fight with Tehran without clear provocation.
Mr Vance told The Washington Post that the country would not be drawn into another long war in the desert, following unsuccessful US military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight – there is no chance that will happen,” he said, pointing to the US capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January and the strikes on Iran last summer as operations that were “very clearly defined”.
UN nuclear watchdog says it's unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment
Friday 27 February 2026 16:36 , Maira ButtIran has not allowed the United Nations nuclear watchdog to access nuclear facilities affected by the 12-day war in June, according to a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog circulated to member states and seen Friday by The Associated Press.
The report stressed that therefore the agency “cannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities,” or the “size of Iran’s uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities.”
UN nuclear watchdog says it's unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment
Insiders said Iran refused to end nuclear enrichment in talks this week
Friday 27 February 2026 16:25 , Maira ButtCiting unnamed US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that nuclear talks between US and Iran finished with both sides still far apart on key issues.
People familiar with the talks said Iran had objected to the idea of ending enrichment, dismantling its nuclear facilities, and imposing permanent restrictions on its programme.
Washington views nuclear enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons, and has been unequivocal that Iran cannot be allowed to have one.
France recomends citizens in Israel, Jerusalem and West Bank 'identify shelters'
Friday 27 February 2026 16:06 , Maira ButtFrance has warned French citizens not to to travel to Israel, Jerusalem or the West Bank amid heightened security concerns in Iran.
It advised those currently there to be vigilant and identify shelters for safety.
Watch: Trump issues warning to Iran during State of the Union address
Friday 27 February 2026 15:55 , Maira ButtUS secretary of state to travel to Israel
Friday 27 February 2026 15:45 , Maira ButtUS secretary of state Marco Rubio is to travel to Israel next week, according to a statement released on Friday.
He will discuss Iran amid America’s large military buildup in the region.
The State Department said Rubio would travel to Israel between 2 and 3 March.
He is also set to discuss other regional priorities, including Lebanon and U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.
F35s, tankers and the world’s largest warship: America's largest military build-up in region in decades
Friday 27 February 2026 15:38 , Maira ButtLast week, sources said the US was militarily prepared to strike Iran imminently due to a build up of the largest force of warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades.
Read the full list of tankers, missiles, fighter jets, and the world’s largest warship below:
F35s to warships: The US military forces gathering ahead of potential Iran strike
Friday 27 February 2026 15:32 , Maira ButtYoav Gallant, Israel’s former defence minister, has ominously predicted that the coming weeks will shape the “coming decades” in the Middle East amid fears of an imminent US strike.
“The coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East,” he wrote on X on Friday shortly after the US and UK withdraw all its staff from Iran.
In a Substack underneath the post, he added:
“The sustained pressure on the Iranian axis has produced a meaningful geopolitical outcome. Iran is constrained.
“Hezbollah has suffered severe operational damage. Syria’s Assad regime has fallen after more than a decade of war. Yet power vacuums in the Middle East rarely remain empty.”
Former Israeli defence minister says coming weeks will 'shape the coming decades in the Middle East'
Friday 27 February 2026 15:30 , Maira ButtYoav Gallant, Israel’s former defence minister, has ominously predicted that the coming weeks will shape the “coming decades” in the Middle East amid fears of an imminent US strike.
“The coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East,” he wrote on X on Friday shortly after the US and UK withdraw all its staff from Iran.
In a substack underneath the post, he added:
“The sustained pressure on the Iranian axis has produced a meaningful geopolitical outcome. Iran is constrained.
“Hezbollah has suffered severe operational damage. Syria’s Assad regime has fallen after more than a decade of war. Yet power vacuums in the Middle East rarely remain empty.”
China advises its nationals in Israel to strengthen safety precautions
Friday 27 February 2026 15:17 , Maira ButtThe Chinese embassy in Israel has asked its citizens living in the country to strengthen their security precautions and emergency preparedness, citing “rising security risks in the Middle East.”
Chinese nationals based in Israel should closely follow new developments and information released by Israeli authorities, the embassy said in a statement. Citizens should also refrain from travelling outside unless necessary, it added.
Earlier on Friday, China advised nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those in the country to evacuate as soon as possible, as tensions build between Tehran and Washington.
Critical for IAEA to conduct verification activities in Iran 'without further delay'
Friday 27 February 2026 15:13 , Maira ButtThe International Atomic Energy Agency has announced it is “critical” for it to conduct verification activities on Iran’s nuclear facilities “without delay”.
It comes as a new report found that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, was stored in an underground nuclear site.
Iran stored highly enriched uranium - close to weapons grade - at underground site, IAEA report says
Friday 27 February 2026 15:10 , Maira ButtThe UN’s nuclear watchdog has said that some of Iran’s most highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, was stored in an underground area of its nuclear site in Isfahan.
The information was shared in a confidential report sent to member states on Friday and seen by Reuters.
It is the first time the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported where uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, has been stored.
The tunnel complex's entrance was hit in U.S. and Israeli military strikes in June but the facility seems largely unharmed, diplomats say.
US and UK withdraw all staff from embassies citing security concerns
Friday 27 February 2026 15:00 , Maira ButtThe UK and US have withdrawn all its staff from Iranian embassies citing security concerns on Friday.
Britain's foreign office said its ability to assist British nationals was now extremely limited, with the embassy operating remotely and no in-person consular support available even in emergencies.
Donald Trump briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, underlining that while he preferred a diplomatic solution, he would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
