2026/02/12Missiles as the “Last Shield”: Analyst Says Tehran Won’t Trade Deterrence for a Deal
Israeli Iran analyst Raz Zimmt argues it’s unlikely Tehran will accept constraints on its ballistic missile program in any U.S. track, because the Islamic Republic sees missiles as the last credible pillar of deterrence and a hedge against what it views as unreliable U.S. guarantees. In that logic, Zimmt says Iran’s leadership judges that even a major U.S. strike is less dangerous than dismantling missile capabilities—because concessions could quickly expose Iran to greater vulnerability and pressure, while an attack might still fail to topple the regime.
2026/02/12No Letter From Tehran: Larijani Says Oman Handed Over US “Points” for Review
Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, said Tehran did not send any letter to the Americans , adding that Omani intermediaries instead wrote down points “on behalf of the Americans” and delivered them to Iran to be reviewed in Tehran. The remarks come amid heightened attention on Muscat’s role as a go-between in indirect Iran–US contacts , after reports suggested a “letter” had been conveyed during Larijani’s regional trip.
2026/02/11Araghchi: “No Executions Took Place” — Tehran Pushes Back on Israel Hayom Claim
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said “no executions have taken place,” that judicial processes are not yet concluded , and that more than 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned , responding on X to a report he described as being pushed by a “Miriam Adelson mouthpiece” shortly before Netanyahu’s White House visit. The denial lands amid intense scrutiny of Iran’s post-protest crackdown. Araghchi had previously told Fox News in January there was “no plan” to hang protesters, according to Reuters.
2026/02/11Prince Reza Pahlavi: “Iranians Are America’s Friends” — Calls for a Deal With the People, Not the Regime
Prince Reza Pahlavi reposted his interview clip with Glenn Beck and wrote that “the people of Iran are friends of America,” arguing that before 1979 the two countries cooperated to keep Middle East stability , while the current ruling system has pursued chaos and violence . He added that the time has come for an understanding with the Iranian people to restore those ties and bring peace back to the region —a message amplified as U.S.–Iran diplomacy and escalation risks remain in focus.
2026/02/11Global Spotlight, Domestic Spark: Kurdish Opposition Spokesman Links Iran Focus to Crackdown
Khaled Azizi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) , told Iran International that rising attention from Washington and global public opinion toward Iran is being driven by people’s internal struggle and the regime’s recent crackdowns . He added that if current negotiations fail, other options could move onto the table, while the present phase reflects an international push to use dialogue to persuade Tehran to step back at least on its nuclear program .
2026/02/11From Public Hangings to “Silent Deaths”? Israel Hayom Claims Hidden Killings in Iran — Tehran Denies
Israel Hayom reported—citing what it described as assessments from Western intelligence services including Mossad and agencies in Britain and Germany —that the killing of Iranian protesters is continuing covertly , alleging detainees have been shot or strangled in custody , with families told they died during demonstrations. Iran’s Judiciary Media Center rejected the report as false , saying cases linked to recent unrest are still under judicial review and no file has reached a final, enforceable verdict , while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that “no executions have taken place” and claimed over 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned. Independent verification remains difficult, but Iran International and rights-linked sources have separately reported deaths in custody , including cases where families allegedly received bodies showing signs inconsistent with official accounts; the UN special rapporteur on Iran has said she is monitoring reports suggesting executions and in-custody deaths may be used to instill fear.
2026/02/11Bojnord Café Owner: “People Don’t Come Anymore” as Crackdown Mood Hits Small Businesses
A café owner in Bojnord told Iran International that, in the atmosphere after protests and the government crackdown, many people have stopped going to cafés , sending his sales sharply lower . He said even regular customers no longer show up, and the drop in revenue has created problems paying wages . The account reflects a broader squeeze on everyday commerce: vendors across Iran have reported weaker household purchasing while prices keep rising, and cafés—often seen as social hubs—have also faced growing pressure from hardliners in recent years.
2026/02/11Europe Turns Up the Heat on Tehran: EU Parliament Debates “Systemic Repression” and Arbitrary Detentions
The European Parliament held an urgent debate on Iran’s alleged systemic repression , inhumane detention conditions , and arbitrary arrests , with lawmakers discussing reports of an intensified crackdown on protests, mass detentions, and deteriorating prison conditions. A joint motion for a resolution on the same theme was tabled on February 11, 2026 , with a vote scheduled for February 12 —signaling that the discussion is moving toward a formal parliamentary position and potential calls for tougher EU action.
2026/02/11Judiciary Denies “Secret Mass Executions” Claim — Rights Groups Warn of Deaths in Custody
Iran’s Judiciary Media Center has rejected reports—including an Israel Hayom claim amplified across some outlets—alleging the secret execution of thousands of detainees, saying none of the recent detainee cases have reached a final, enforceable verdict . The denial comes as Iran International and other activists cite incoming evidence and reports suggesting some detainees have died in custody or were killed during detention—allegations that, if confirmed, could constitute extrajudicial killings (unlawful deaths in custody require prompt, effective investigation under international standards).
2026/02/11Missiles Off the Table: Larijani Says Iran “Checked” Israel’s Ambitions
Iran’s senior security figure Ali Larijani claimed Iran’s missile power has “put the Zionist regime in its place,” arguing it has checked Israel’s ambitions —remarks amplified by Iranian state-linked and Russian state media. Larijani also underlined that Iran’s missile program will not be negotiated in the ongoing indirect U.S. talks , which have been mediated via Oman, as Tehran tries to keep discussions focused on the nuclear file while Washington and Israel push for a broader agenda.
2026/02/11“People-to-People” Red Lion & Sun Network Announces in Iran, Pledges Decentralized Aid
A newly announced initiative calling itself the “People’s Groups of Iran’s Red Lion and Sun” says it is forming a grassroots relief network focused on saving lives and reducing family suffering during crisis, according to its published statement. The group stresses it is strictly humanitarian and non-political , claiming it has no centralized command , no traceable recruitment , and no organizational hierarchy , prioritizing citizen safety and privacy . It says operations will rely on independent 3–5 person local cells built on mutual trust to enable fast, secure assistance under insecurity. In the statement, the network cites what it describes as an unfolding national humanitarian emergency , alleging at least 30,000 citizens killed and thousands of wounded denied safe treatment , and sets out missions including safe medical aid , first-aid and psychological support training , neighborhood-based assistance , and emergency livelihood support for affected families. The name revives the historical Red Lion and Sun emblem associated with Iran’s pre-1979 relief society (later renamed the Red Crescent after the revolution).
2026/02/11No Nukes, No Missiles: Trump Hardens Iran Red Lines Ahead of Netanyahu Meeting
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran “will not” be allowed to have nuclear weapons or missiles , framing the standard as the baseline for any renewed agreement as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Israeli media Channel 12 (N12) reported the remark, while Trump also told Fox Business that a “good deal” means “no nuclear weapons, no missiles,” language echoed in wider U.S. coverage of the same interview cycle. The comments land as U.S.–Iran contacts continue after indirect talks in Oman , with Israel pushing to expand negotiations beyond the nuclear file to include ballistic missiles and Iranian regional proxies —a move Tehran has consistently rejected. Trump’s posture is being paired with visible pressure: Reuters reported he has floated tougher options, including consideration of an additional aircraft carrier in the region if diplomacy stalls—keeping the risk premium elevated into the Netanyahu talks.