WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the new round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks here.

 


Iran’s Missile Program a “Red Line,” Warns Defense Council Secretary

Bunting of Iranian flags next to a missile on display during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

WANA (Feb 13) – Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Defense Council, emphasized that Iran’s missile capabilities are a non-negotiable “red line” and warned that the country will respond decisively to any action targeting it.

 

In a Friday interview, Shamkhani described Iran’s missile forces as an integral part of the country’s defense doctrine, stating, “Our missile system is within the framework of red lines and is not open for negotiation.”

 

He further warned, “Any adventure against Iran will be met with a strong, decisive, and proportionate response.” He characterized the nation’s military readiness as “high” and cautioned that any miscalculation by other parties would carry “very heavy” consequences.

 

Shamkhani also addressed the role of the United States in regional developments, asserting that Israel cannot act without direct support from Washington.

 


Iraq and Kuwait Voice Support for Iran-US Nuclear Talks

 

WANA (Feb 13) – The foreign ministers of Iraq and Kuwait have expressed support for nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States in Oman, praising Muscat’s constructive role in bringing the two sides’ positions closer.

 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah made the remarks during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

 

The two officials underscored the importance of strengthening efforts to enhance regional stability and reduce tensions, while commending Oman’s role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

 


Trump Says He Will Continue Iran Talks “As Long as I Want”

WANA (Feb 13) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will continue negotiations with Iran for as long as he chooses.

 

Speaking at a press conference at the White House, Trump rejected a reporter’s suggestion that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking to halt the talks between Washington and Tehran. “We didn’t discuss that,” Trump said. “I will continue negotiating with the Iranians as long as I want.”

 

He added, “We’ll see whether we reach a deal or not. If we don’t, we’ll move to phase two.” Trump claimed that “phase two” would be difficult for Iran, while adding, “I’m not looking for that.”

 

Addressing the possible timeframe for an agreement, Trump said, “I think within the next month… something like that. It has to happen quickly. They have to agree very quickly.”

 

The U.S. president again stressed the necessity of reaching an agreement with Iran, warning, “We have to reach a deal; it will be very unpleasant.”

 

He continued, “We have to make a deal. They should have made a deal the first time. Instead, they got the midnight hammer. If Iran doesn’t make a deal, it will be very unpleasant for them.” Trump also said he had a very good meeting the previous day with Netanyahu.

 


Netanyahu Says Any Iran-US Deal Must Go Beyond Nuclear Issue

WANA (Feb 13) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed doubt about the prospects of an agreement between Iran and the United States, claiming that any potential deal must address issues beyond Tehran’s nuclear program.

 

Speaking before departing Washington, Netanyahu said he had concluded a “short but important” visit during which he met with “our great friend,” U.S. President Donald Trump. “We have a close, warm, and transparent relationship,” he stated.

 

Netanyahu claimed that their discussions covered several topics, but focused primarily on negotiations with Iran. “The president believes the Iranians now understand who they are dealing with,” he said.

 

He further alleged that the conditions set by Trump for Iran, along with what he described as Tehran’s realization that it erred previously by not reaching a deal, could push Iran toward accepting terms that would make a “good agreement” possible.

 

Nevertheless, Netanyahu voiced skepticism about the chances of reaching such an accord, asserting that any agreement must include provisions important to Israel and the broader international community.

 

He called for Iran-US negotiations to address not only the nuclear issue, but also Iran’s ballistic missile program and what he referred to as Iran’s “proxy groups” in the region.

 

Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said in an interview that the United States has concluded it must adopt an approach toward Iran different from the military option. He described Washington’s entry into negotiations as a sign of a more rational approach.

 

Larijani stressed that no negotiations are on the agenda beyond the nuclear program and that talks are strictly limited to the nuclear file.

 

Referring to what he called actions by Israel, Larijani accused the Israeli government of attempting to derail the negotiation process and create pretexts for igniting war. According to him, Israel’s actions are not directed solely at Iran, but at the stability of the entire region.