Student Protests Grip Iran as Washington Steps Up Military Pressure

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed the next round of negotiations will convene in Geneva on Thursday, February 26. Student Protests demonstrations entered a second day across several Iranian universities on Sunday. Authorities had earlier enforced a deadly crackdown under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s leadership. Officials continue diplomatic engagement while managing growing unrest at prominent campuses nationwide.

Protests resurfaced at universities in Tehran and Mashhad, according to reports from Reuters. Demonstrators at Sharif University openly criticized Khamenei, accusing leadership of violent repression.
State television aired footage alleging certain individuals posed as students to provoke clashes. Officials claimed pro-government students faced attacks during disturbances linked to earlier unrest.

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Geneva talks set to resume under shadow of Protests and mounting geopolitical tension

Diplomats from Tehran and Washington plan to resume discussions on the nuclear programme this week.
Busaidi reiterated that mediators have worked closely with both sides to maintain dialogue momentum.
Despite heightened military deployments, negotiators aim to narrow differences during the upcoming meeting. International observers expect intense bargaining as both governments test political resolve.

US President Donald Trump recently issued a 10 to 15 day ultimatum to Tehran. He warned that failure to reach an agreement within that timeframe would prove unfortunate. Trump told reporters his administration prefers a negotiated outcome over further confrontation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran would respond firmly to any attack.

Digital outlet Axios reported advisers presented Trump with multiple strategic options regarding Iran.
One scenario reportedly included a proposal targeting Khamenei and senior clerical leadership figures.
Meanwhile, AFP reported thirteen US warships currently operate across the Middle East region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln leads deployments as attention shifts to Thursday’s Geneva talks.

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