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Trump Warns Khamenei of “Very Hard” Retaliation as Oman Nuclear Talks Set for Friday

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  • The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image)
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    The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image) (Handout via Reuters) Source Full size
  • The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image)
    Image: BBC
    The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image) (Handout via Reuters) Source Full size
  • Iranians protest outside the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt for an end to the regime in Tehran and call for the U.S. to intervene in the conflict.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranians protest outside the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt for an end to the regime in Tehran and call for the U.S. to intervene in the conflict. Source Full size
  • While many harbor real grievances with their government, Iranians worry U.S. intervention could make matters worse.
    Image: Newsweek
    While many harbor real grievances with their government, Iranians worry U.S. intervention could make matters worse. Source Full size
  • US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
    Image: BBC
    US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (EPA) Source Full size
  • Iranian officials have warned of an "immediate and unprecedented" response to any US attack
    Image: BBC
    Iranian officials have warned of an "immediate and unprecedented" response to any US attack (EPA) Source Full size
  • Trump declined to say whether there was a timeline for withdrawing a large US naval fleet from waters near Iran
    Image: BBC
    Trump declined to say whether there was a timeline for withdrawing a large US naval fleet from waters near Iran (EPA) Source Full size
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  • A naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East, reports say
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    A naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East, reports say (Mike Blake/Reuters) Source Full size
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  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, in Tehran on January 18, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, in Tehran on January 18, 2026. Source Full size
  • None
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    Iran's Presidential website/WANA/Reuters Source Full size
  • None
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    Iran's Presidential website/WANA/Reuters Source Full size
  • Iranian officials have warned of an "immediate and unprecedented" response to any US attack
    Image: BBC
    Iranian officials have warned of an "immediate and unprecedented" response to any US attack (EPA) Source Full size
  • Netanyahu reportedly asked Trump to hold back in his response to Iran earlier this month
    Image: BBC
    Netanyahu reportedly asked Trump to hold back in his response to Iran earlier this month (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Some Iranian missiles got through Israeli air defences during the 12-day war
    Image: BBC
    Some Iranian missiles got through Israeli air defences during the 12-day war (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Poll suggest Israelis support military action against Iran
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    Poll suggest Israelis support military action against Iran (Dave Bull/BBC) Source Full size
  • Protests in Iran have so far failed to overthrow Ayatollah Khamenei's regime
    Image: BBC
    Protests in Iran have so far failed to overthrow Ayatollah Khamenei's regime (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image)
    Image: BBC
    The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image) (Handout via Reuters) Source Full size
  • Trump declined to say whether there was a timeline for withdrawing a large US naval fleet from waters near Iran
    Image: BBC
    Trump declined to say whether there was a timeline for withdrawing a large US naval fleet from waters near Iran (EPA) Source Full size
  • A naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East, reports say
    Image: BBC
    A naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East, reports say (Mike Blake/Reuters) Source Full size
  • Trump threatened to attack Iran if protesters were killed
    Image: BBC
    Trump threatened to attack Iran if protesters were killed (Reuters) Source Full size
  • The US attacked Iranian nuclear sites during Iran's war with Israel in June 2025
    Image: BBC
    The US attacked Iranian nuclear sites during Iran's war with Israel in June 2025 (Maxar Technologies/EPA) Source Full size
  • US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
    Image: BBC
    US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (EPA) Source Full size
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  • Iranian police special forces monitor a pro-government rally in Tehran earlier this month
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    Iranian police special forces monitor a pro-government rally in Tehran earlier this month (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Footage of anti-government protests trickled onto social media despite internet blackouts in early January
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    Footage of anti-government protests trickled onto social media despite internet blackouts in early January (UGC) Source Full size
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  • Anti-US murals can be seen in public places around Tehran as the threat of US military intervention builds
    Image: BBC
    Anti-US murals can be seen in public places around Tehran as the threat of US military intervention builds (Anadolu via Getty Images) Source Full size
  • The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image)
    Image: BBC
    The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image) (Handout via Reuters) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
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  • IRIS Shahid Bagheri, shown on a satellite image taken in December 2024
    Image: BBC
    IRIS Shahid Bagheri, shown on a satellite image taken in December 2024 (Maxar Techn) Source Full size
  • Iranians protest outside the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt for an end to the regime in Tehran and call for the U.S. to intervene in the conflict.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranians protest outside the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt for an end to the regime in Tehran and call for the U.S. to intervene in the conflict. Source Full size
  • While many harbor real grievances with their government, Iranians worry U.S. intervention could make matters worse.
    Image: Newsweek
    While many harbor real grievances with their government, Iranians worry U.S. intervention could make matters worse. Source Full size
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, in Tehran on January 18, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, in Tehran on January 18, 2026. Source Full size
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    Image: Le Monde
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  • Le ministre des affaires étrangères iranien, Abbas Araghtchi, avant des négociations avec les Etats-Unis, à Mascate (Oman), le 25 avril 2025.MINISTÈRE IRANIEN DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES VIA REUTERS
    Image: Le Monde
    Le ministre des affaires étrangères iranien, Abbas Araghtchi, avant des négociations avec les Etats-Unis, à Mascate (Oman), le 25 avril 2025.MINISTÈRE IRANIEN DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES VIA REUTERS (MINISTÈRE IRANIEN DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES VIA REUTERS) Source Full size

Trump’s Direct Threat to Iran’s Leader In an NBC interview aired on Feb 4, President Donald Trump told Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the United States is “very worried” and warned of “very hard” retaliation if Tehran proceeds with a new nuclear site, echoing his broader “tremendous force” warning [1]. He emphasized that the U.S. has already positioned a substantial air‑and‑naval strike force, including the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, near Iran [1][5][11]. The president linked the threat to Iran’s recent drone approach toward the carrier in the Arabian Sea [1].

Friday Nuclear Talks Scheduled in Muscat Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that U.S. and Iranian delegations will meet on Friday at 10 a.m. in Muscat, Oman, after the White House shifted the venue from Turkey following appeals from Arab leaders [1][2]. The meeting follows a June 2025 collapse of Oman talks after Israel’s brief war with Iran and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities [2]. Both sides have expressed tentative optimism, though the U.S. remains skeptical about achieving a breakthrough [2][8].

Iran’s Nuclear‑Only Condition Meets U.S. Broader Agenda Tehran insists negotiations be limited to its nuclear program, rejecting any discussion of missile capabilities or human‑rights issues [2][9][10][11]. President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed Araghchi to pursue talks only in a “threat‑free” environment, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any meaningful agreement must also address Iran’s ballistic‑missile program, regional militant support, and domestic treatment of its population [1][2][4]. This divergence creates a diplomatic impasse as both sides prepare for Friday’s session [3][4].

Escalating U.S. Military Presence Around Iran The United States has deployed the carrier strike group led by USS Abraham Lincoln, multiple guided‑missile destroyers, and additional air assets such as fighter jets and P‑8 Poseidon patrol aircraft to the Gulf and Indian Ocean [5][6][11][19]. The buildup follows Trump’s “massive Armada” rhetoric and aims to pressure Tehran while providing rapid strike capability [5][15][16]. Iran’s armed forces have warned they have “fingers on the trigger” and stand ready to respond to any aggression [11][13][14][16][17].

Domestic Unrest Amplifies Diplomatic Stakes Iran’s crackdown on protests that began in late December 2025 has resulted in thousands of deaths—HRANA reports over 6,300 fatalities, while Iranian officials claim lower numbers [5][7][10][11][12][13][19]. President Pezeshkian highlighted the protests as a factor driving Tehran’s willingness to negotiate, urging a “fair and just” nuclear deal to alleviate internal pressure [3][4][6]. The humanitarian crisis and economic strain have intensified calls from regional mediators for a de‑escalation framework [5][9][14].

Sources

Timeline

June 2025 – The United States and Israel strike Iranian nuclear facilities on 21‑22 June, prompting Iran to fire missiles at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base the next day and later at U.S. bases in Iraq, demonstrating Tehran’s pattern of delayed but potent retaliation [5].

Dec 22, 2025 – Iran’s foreign‑ministry spokesman declares its ballistic‑missile programme “defensive and non‑negotiable,” saying the arsenal “deters aggression” and will not be discussed in talks [28].

Dec 28, 2025 – President Masoud Pezeshkian tells the Supreme Leader’s website that Iran is in a “full‑scale war” with the United States, Israel and Europe, comparing it to the 1980‑88 Iran‑Iraq war and framing the conflict as more complex [27].

Dec 29, 2025 – Iran’s military vows to “crush its enemies” after the president publicly declares war with the United States, linking the armed forces’ stance directly to the president’s claim [25].

Dec 30, 2025 – President Pezeshkian posts on X that Iran will answer any “cruel aggression” with a “harsh and discouraging” response, a direct rebuke to Trump’s warning about Iran rebuilding its nuclear program [24].

Dec 31, 2025 – Iranian IRGC reportedly develops chemical‑ and biological‑warhead capabilities for ballistic missiles, while Trump warns the U.S. could back Israeli strikes if Tehran rebuilds its long‑range missile or nuclear programs [23].

Jan 7, 2026 – Iran’s chief justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warns of “no leniency” for anyone “helping the enemy,” echoing Trump’s threat that Iran will “get hit very hard” if protest killings continue [22].

Jan 8, 2026 – Iran tells Washington that recent U.S. statements and actions constitute a “campaign of interference” violating international law, as protests spread nationwide with at least 38 killed and over 2,200 detained [21].

Jan 9, 2026 – Iran’s UN ambassador accuses President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu of inciting violence in Iran, arguing their rhetoric could turn peaceful demonstrations into “violent disorder” [20].

Jan 12, 2026 – Trump announces a 25 % tariff on any country doing business with Iran, declaring the measure “final and conclusive” and linking it to the crackdown on Iranian protesters [29].

Jan 13, 2026 – Trump imposes the same 25 % tariff, Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran is “ready for war” yet “open to negotiations,” and the White House confirms the U.S. is weighing military options while keeping diplomacy on the table [19].

Jan 13, 2026 – The president weighs a military strike as protests intensify, authorizes a “suite of options” for the National Security Council, and signals that Steve Witkoff will engage Tehran [18].

Jan 14, 2026 – The administration debates a kinetic strike on Iran’s security‑service facilities, while Yemen’s Ansar Allah warns the U.S. of “dire consequences” if it attacks Iran, and Trump’s 25 % tariff on Iran‑linked imports raises U.S. prices [14, 15, 16].

Jan 15, 2026 – U.S. officials weigh an attack on Iran as protests flare, noting Iran holds 209 billion barrels of oil and controls the Strait of Hormuz, where a disruption could push global oil prices higher [12].

Jan 16, 2026 – Protests fall silent after a week of nationwide demonstrations; analysts say diplomacy remains possible but Tehran’s leverage is weakened after the June air war and proxy losses [11].

Jan 19, 2026 – President Pezeshkian warns that any aggression against the Supreme Leader would trigger a “full‑scale war,” while Trump publicly calls for regime change and says he would strike if protesters are not protected [10].

Jan 29, 2026 – Former security council secretary Ali Shamkhani posts that any U.S. attack will start a war and elicit “immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented” retaliation against the U.S., Israel and their supporters [9]; Iran’s proxy militias pledge direct retaliation, and Iran warns it could close the Strait of Hormuz, risking a global recession [8].

Jan 30, 2026 – Trump tells Iran it must halt its nuclear program and stop killing protesters to avoid a “massive Armada,” while Iran’s foreign minister says missile‑defence systems are “never the subject” of talks and the IRGC chief meets Putin to discuss regional issues [3, 4, 5].

Jan 31, 2026 – Israeli intelligence chief Shlomi Binder meets U.S. officials to discuss strike targets inside Iran, and former Defence Intelligence officer Danny Citrinowicz reports Netanyahu urges the U.S. to pursue a maximalist strike, while Trump considers a spectrum from limited attacks to regime‑change action [2, 7].

Feb 2, 2026 – Turkey arranges a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Iranian officials by week’s end, and President Trump says the U.S. is “talking to Iran” about a nuclear deal while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rules out immediate regime‑change plans [6, 26].

Feb 3, 2026 – President Masoud Pezeshkian announces Iran is ready to negotiate with the United States “if a threat‑free environment exists,” instructing Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue talks under those conditions, with a possible Istanbul meeting that could include regional foreign ministers [1].

Feb 5, 2026 – In an NBC interview, Trump warns Supreme Leader Khamenei of “very hard” retaliation over a suspected new nuclear site, while Iran’s foreign minister confirms nuclear talks are set for Friday in Muscat, Oman, after the venue shifts from Turkey due to Arab‑leader pressure; the U.S. keeps a substantial air‑and‑naval strike force on standby [30].

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