![\"US](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iran_1771429302687_1771429313502_1771429394731.jpg\" "\\"US")
<\/p>\nUpdated on: Feb 18, 2026 9:27:59 PM IST<\/p>\n
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US Iran tensions live updates: The visuals of the fire were shared by several internet users.<\/p>\n
…Read More<\/p>\n
Following the Geneva talks, Iran minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday said that Tehran is drafting a framework for future talks with the US, news agency AFP reported. <\/p>\n
Amid the tensions between the US and Iran, the US military has moved over 50 fighter jets to the Middle East. As per reports, this development comes just as both sides concluded their nuclear talks in Geneva. <\/p>\n
As per officials from the US and Iran, the talks in Geneva showed \u201cprogress\u201d. However, the tensions continue to linger as Washington works towards making ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. <\/p>\n
US’ red line – a nuclear weapon for Iran <\/p>\n
Since the start of the tensions and the 12-day war with Israel, the US has stated it does not want to see Iran develop a nuclear weapon. Amid the recent tensions, triggered by the Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on protestors, Washington continues to remain adamant on this \u201cred line.\u201d <\/p>\n
Speaking to FOX News, US Vice President JD Vance stated that while the talks are ongoing, Iran seems unwilling to adhere to Trump’s \u201cred line.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIn some ways it went well, they agreed to meet afterwards, but in other ways it was very clear that the President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through,\u201d Vance told FOX News, adding that the US’ main goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. <\/p>\n
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz <\/p>\n
Iran has announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills. This announcement comes in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme in Geneva. <\/p>\n
This is the first time Iran announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the world\u2019s oil passes, since the US began threatening and rushing military assets to the Middle East. <\/p>\n
Follow all the updates here:<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:27:58 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Visuals of fire shared on social media | WATCH<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: <\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:14:32 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: What state media said on Parand fire<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Following the reports of fire, the state media cited Parand fire department saying, \u201cThe black smoke seen near the city of Parand is the result of a fire in the reeds around the Parand river bank… fire fighters are on site and the fire extinguishing operation is underway.\u201d<\/p>\n
via Reuters<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:07:01 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Fire breaks out near Tehran<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: A fire has reportedly broken out near Iran’s capital Tehran in Parand and several military and strategic sites are said to be near the site of the fire, Reuters reported, citing Iran’s state media.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 7:22:09 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran says \u2018framework for future US talks\u2019 being drafted<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday said that Tehran was “drafting” a framework to advance future talks with Washington, during a phone call with the UN nuclear watchdog. In the call with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, Araghchi “stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s focus on drafting an initial and coherent framework to advance future talks”, a day after a second round of resumed negotiations with the United States.<\/p>\n
Via AFP<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 3:49:05 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: British PM speaks to Trump on Iran talks<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Following Washington-Tehran nuclear talks in Geneva, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. The two leaders also talked about US-mediated Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva. <\/p>\n
Gaza was also discussed between the two leaders as Starmer stressed on the importance of securing further access for humanitarian aid, Reuters reported, quoting Downing Street spokesperson. <\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 2:56:31 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran, Russia to conduct joint drills in the Sea of Oman<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Following the Tehran-Washington talks in Geneva, Iran and Russia are going to conduct naval manoeuvres in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, Iranian media reported. “The joint naval exercise of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia will take place tomorrow (Thursday) in the Sea of Oman and in the northern Indian Ocean,” the ISNA agency reported, citing drill spokesman, Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo.<\/p>\n
Via AFP<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 2:23:54 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: After Iran talks, US envoys resume negotiations with Russia and Ukraine<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: After completing talks between the US and Iran amid tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, the US envoys have resumed negotiations with Russia and Ukraine. <\/p>\n
The Ukraine negotiations are also being held in Geneva, Switzerland.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 1:44:44 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran and Russia to conduct naval drills in Sea of Oman, Indian Ocean<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran and Russia will conduct navy drills in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on Thursday. As reported by Fars news agency, this comes days after the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
“Creating convergence and coordination in joint measures to counter activities threatening maritime security and safety (…) as well as combating maritime terrorism, are among the main goals of this joint exercise,” an Iranian navy commander, Hassan Maghsoodloo was quoted as saying by Fars news.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 1:23:19 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran, US reach \u2018general agreement\u2019 after nuclear talks in Geneva<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran said it reached a \u201cgeneral agreement\u201d with the US on the basis of a potential nuclear deal that would lift sanctions on Tehran and ease the risk of war in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to reach a general agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will proceed from now on and move toward drafting a potential agreement,\u201d Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV after talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva.<\/p>\n
The two sides will each draft and exchange texts for a deal before setting a date for a third round of talks, he added further. However, the Iranian leader cautioned that the next stage would be \u201cmore difficult and detailed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 1:00:56 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: No date set for third round of talks<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: The US and Iran met for their second round of indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday. While both nations have signalled \u201cprogress\u201d, no date has been set for the third round<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 12:33:56 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Trump discusses Ukraine, Iran and Gaza with UK PM Keir Starmer<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. As per a Downing Street spokesperson, the two leaders spoke about the US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva, as well as talks between the U.S. and Iran on their nuclear dispute.<\/p>\n
Starmer also discussed Gaza with Trump and stressed on the importance of securing further access for humanitarian aid, the spokesperson added.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 12:19:51 PM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Trumps asks Iran to be \u2018reasonable\u2019 ahead of second round of talks<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: United States President Donald Trump on Monday urged Iran to be \u201creasonable\u201d in the next round of nuclear deal negotiations and reminded Tehran of the June 2025 B-2 bomber strike.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cI will be involved in those talks indirectly. It will be very important. Iran is a tough negotiator, but I would say they are bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s (B-2 Bombers) to knock out their nuclear potential. I hope they are going to be more reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 11:40:04 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: What is Strait of Hormuz?<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: The Strait of Hormuz is a curved stretch of water roughly 33 kilometres (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. It links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, allowing ships to move onward to global sea routes.<\/p>\n
Iran and Oman both have territorial waters in the strait, yet it is treated as an international passage open for ships from all countries. The United Arab Emirates, which includes the skyline-filled city of Dubai, is also located close to this waterway.<\/p>\n
Although Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pipelines that allow some shipments to bypass the route, the US Energy Information Administration states that \u201cmost volumes that transit the strait have no alternative means of exiting the region.\u201d <\/p>\n
Any threats to this route have pushed up global energy prices before, including during the Israel-Iran war in June.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 11:37:51 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Oil Holds Drop as US and Iran Signal Progress in Nuclear Talks<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Oil held a decline after positive talks between the US and Iran over the OPEC member\u2019s nuclear program, paring crude\u2019s risk premium.<\/p>\n
Global benchnmark Brent was little changed above $67 a barrel after ending almost 2% lower on Tuesday, while West Texas Intermediate was near $62. Tehran said it had reached a \u201cgeneral agreement\u201d with Washington on the terms of a potential deal, while a US official said Iranian negotiators were scheduled to return to Geneva with a new proposal in two weeks.<\/p>\n
(via Bloomberg)<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 10:29:26 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: US envoy to the UN calls on Iran to \u2018abandon\u2019 uranium enrichment<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Ambassador Michael Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations said on Tuesday that Washington has made clear to Tehran the conditions for easing tensions over its nuclear program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019m not going to get ahead of the President or advertise his decision space, but the US has the greatest military in the world. We can project around the world, anytime, anywhere. Obviously, there has been a convergence of forces. But if the president decides to keep that posture for the foreseeable future, we have the capability,\u201d Waltz said in an interview with Hugh Hewitt show.<\/p>\n
\u201cStep forward and step up to finally walk away from enrichment, walk away from long-range ballistic missiles, walk away from its terrorist proxies, and don\u2019t slaughter your own people. These shouldn\u2019t be anything near controversial for any reasonable government that seeks to get along with its neighbors and the international community,” he added further.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:41:33 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: What impact will Strait of Hormuz closure have on global trade<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran says it temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The move came as semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported live fire exercises in the vital waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes.<\/p>\n
The move is a rare, perhaps unprecedented shutdown of the strait, a signal from Iran of the potential fallout to the world economy if the United States goes through with threats to attack it as tensions mount between the two countries.<\/p>\n
In past times of tension and conflict, Iran has at times harassed shipping though the narrows, and during the 1980s’ Iran-Iraq war, both sides attacked tankers and other vessels, using naval mines to completely shut down traffic at points. But Iran has not carried out repeated threats to close the waterway altogether since the 1980s, even during last year’s 12-day war when Israel and the U.S. bombarded Iran’s key nuclear and military sites.<\/p>\n
The extent and impact of Tuesday’s closure were not immediately known. Iranian media said it would be for several hours for \u201csafety and maritime concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:14:47 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: USS Gerald R Ford, world’s largest aircraft carrier, deployed to the Middle East<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions updates: Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the United States has reportedly ordered the world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier to be sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, while President Donald Trump weighs military action against Iran as talks continue between Washington and Tehran.<\/p>\n
USS Gerald Ford, the world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and three guided-missile destroyers.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 9:05:11 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran announces temporary closure of Strait of Hormuz<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Iran has announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills. This announcement comes in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme in Geneva. <\/p>\n
This is the first time Iran announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the world\u2019s oil passes, since the US began threatening and rushing military assets to the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 8:48:54 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: JD Vance warns Iran of \u2018red lines\u2019<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: US Vice President JD Vance has claimed that Iran is not willing to acknowledge some of Trump’s “red lines”.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn some ways it went well, they agreed to meet afterwards, but in other ways it was very clear that the President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through,\u201d Vance told FOX News, adding that the US’ main goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur primary interest here is we don\u2019t want Iran to get a nuclear weapon. We don\u2019t want nuclear proliferation. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, there are a lot of other regimes, some friendly, some not so friendly, who would get nuclear weapons after them. That would be a disaster for the American people,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Feb 18, 2026 8:41:06 AM IST<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: Over 50 fighter jets sent to the Middle East by US<\/p>\n
US Iran tensions live updates: The US military has moved more fighter jets to the Middle East. Citing open source flight radar data and a US. official, Axios reported that more than 50 F-35, F-22 and F-16 fighter jets have moved to the region in the last 24 hours.<\/p>\n
This deployment of fighter jets comes days after US President Donald Trump sent a second aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, to the Middle East.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Updated on: Feb 18, 2026 9:27:59 PM IST US Iran tensions live updates: The visuals of the fire…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":297670,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[22155,42,88393,150673,98126,43,40,38,41,39,627,76279],"class_list":{"0":"post-297669","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headlines","8":"tag-geneva","9":"tag-headlines","10":"tag-iran-nuclear-talks","11":"tag-iran-us-tension","12":"tag-iran-us","13":"tag-news","14":"tag-top-news","15":"tag-top-stories","16":"tag-topnews","17":"tag-topstories","18":"tag-trump","19":"tag-us-iran"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=297669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/297670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=297669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=297669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=297669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}