Iran fears US strike could break Islamic regime’s grip on power by reigniting protests, sources say

“People are extremely angry,” a former official said, adding a US attack could lead Iranians to rise up again. “The wall of fear has collapsed. There is no fear left.” Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency’s value, in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2026.(photo credit: STRINGER/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS) ByREUTERS, JAMES GENN FEBRUARY 2, 2026 20:04Updated: FEBRUARY 3, 2026 10:11 Iran’s leadership is increasingly worried a US strike could break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back onto the streets, following a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, according to …

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Khamenei: An American attack will mean regional war

Meanwhile, Iran conducted missile tests on Saturday.Joshua Marks A Hezbollah supporter holds a portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a solidarity rally in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Jan. 26, 2026. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images.A Hezbollah supporter holds a portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a solidarity rally in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Jan. 26, 2026. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East (Feb. 1, 2026 / JNS)An American attack on Iran will spark a wider conflict, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei again threatened on Sunday. “The Americans should know if they start …

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US, Iran ready to talk, with mediators organizing meeting in Ankara — report

Tehran rejects demands for curbs on its ballistic missiles, support for terror groups; PM meets with Zamir after IDF chief’s DC visit; US says missile destroyer has left Eilat By ToI Staff and AgenciesToday, 2:18 am The US and Iran have reportedly informed each other that they are ready to conduct negotiations on an agreement to end tensions between them, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held top-level meetings on the situation. A senior American official told the Axios news site on Sunday that US President Donald Trump’s administration has made it clear it is open to holding such talks as soon as this week. According …

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Stop chasing after the Saudis to join the Abraham Accords

Now that they’ve stopped worrying about an Iranian bomb, Riyadh is making clear that it will never recognize the State of Israel. It was never going to be worth the price anyway. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia at the South Portico of the White House, Nov. 18, 2025. Credit: Daniel Torok/White House. Jonathan S. Tobin The tacit alliance between Israel and Saudi Arabia against a common enemy in Tehran was the basis for the success of the first Trump administration’s ability to make the Abraham Accords a …

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CENTCOM warns Iran to avoid ‘escalatory behavior’ during naval drill

“We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC actions,” the U.S. military command said. A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter prepares to support “Operation Hawkeye Strike” in the Central Command area of responsibility in response to a recent attack on U.S. personnel in Syria by Islamic State terrorists, Dec 19, 2026. U.S. Army handout via Getty Images. (Jan. 31, 2026 / JNS) U.S. Central Command is urging the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to conduct a scheduled naval exercise safely and avoid “escalatory behavior at sea.” On Thursday, Iran announced that the IRGC would be “conducting a two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of …

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Iran says framework for negotiations ‘taking shape and moving forward’

Iran, US have been on the verge of direct military confrontation amid tensions Syed Zafar Mehdi  |31.01.2026 – Update : 31.01.2026 TEHRAN, Iran Iran’s top security official has signaled progress in efforts to de-escalate tensions with the United States following days of heightened strain. In a post on social media on Saturday, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said a “structured framework” for negotiations is “taking shape and moving forward.” He also brushed aside what he described as “manufactured hype of the media’s war narrative.” Larijani’s remarks come amid intense diplomatic activity led by several regional countries, …

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Iran ready to resume talks with US, Aragchi says, calling for ‘fair, equitable’ negotiations

Araqchi, who described his talks with Hakan Fidan in Istanbul as “good and useful,” also said that Tehran was ready to engage with regional countries to promote stability and peace. IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Abbas Araghchi (right) speaks with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul in June. The North Kurdistan political movement is under Ankara’s harsh pressure. In Iran, Kurds face systematic suppression, says the writer.(photo credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)ByREUTERSJANUARY 30, 2026 14:18Updated: JANUARY 31, 2026 00:49 Iran is prepared to resume talks with the United States, but negotiations should be “fair and equitable,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday during a press conference …

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Trump says he’s given Iran deadline to accept deal before potential strike

By Jacob Magid Follow30 January 2026, 8:30 pm US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) US President Donald Trump says he has given Iran a deadline to make a deal, as Washington moves significant military assets to the region ahead of a potential strike on the Islamic Republic. Asked by reporters in the Oval Office if he’s given a deadline to Iran before a potential strike, Trump confirms that he has communicated one directly to Tehran, adding, “Only they know for sure.” He doesn’t reveal the timing of …

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Jewish leaders invited to meet with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman in D.C.

The invitation comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric from the Kingdom Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Saudi Arabia Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the State Department Building on February 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. By Danielle Cohen-Kanik  January 29, 2026

Exclusive: Trump says Iran wants a deal as U.S. “armada” arrives

Barak Ravid President Trump told Axios in an interview on Monday that the situation with Iran is “in flux” because he sent a “big armada” to the region but thinks Tehran genuinely wants to cut a deal. Why it matters: Trump came close to ordering a strike on regime targets in Iran earlier this month over the killing of thousands of protesters. Instead he delayed the decision while also moving military assets to the region. White House officials say an attack is still on the table, though the protests have largely been suppressed. What he’s saying: In the interview, Trump mentioned his decision to dispatch the Lincoln. A …

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Saudi, Israeli officials visit D.C. to talk possible U.S. strikes on Iran

Barak Ravid Saudi Arabia Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last February in Washington, D.C. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images The Trump administration is hosting senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for talks on Iran this week as President Trump considers military strikes, two U.S. officials and two other sources with knowledge told Axios. Why it matters: Trump has ordered a U.S. military buildup in the Gulf to prepare for potential military action. Israel, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region have been on high alert for days in anticipation of a U.S. strike. Between the …

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IDF intel, Mossad chiefs recently visit US in one-two punch for advice on handling Iran

IDF intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder met with top US military officials on Tuesday as the US aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, arrived in the region. Members of the National Guard walk near the White House on the National Mall, in Washington, DC, US, August 21, 2025(photo credit: REUTERS/Al Drago)ByYONAH JEREMY BOB JANUARY 29, 2026 18:12Updated: JANUARY 29, 2026 22:03 IDF Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad Director David Barnea both recently visited the US to present a one-two punch for advice about how to handle Iran. Barnea landed in the US on January 16 and met with US Special Envoy to …

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Trump reviews Iran strike options amid fears air power won’t topple regime – report

Reports indicate US President Trump is considering a range of strike options against Iran, from targeted attacks on regime figures to broader strikes on missile and nuclear sites. i24NEWS January 29, 2026 at 01:16 AM ■ latest revision January 29, 2026 at 01:26 AM U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing a range of military options against Iran, including targeted strikes on regime figures and security forces, as Washington considers how to respond to Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, Reuters reported Tuesday. According to two U.S. officials familiar with the discussions, Trump has explored limited attacks aimed at figures and institutions blamed for …

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Netanyahu holds security consultation; Israel said to expect Iran attack even if US strike is limited

By Lazar Berman Follow29 January 2026, 8:44 pm Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on January 4, 2026. (Maayan Toaf/GPO) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security consultation in Jerusalem with top advisers and defense officials on a “classified topic,” the office of one of the attendees tells The Times of Israel. According to Channel 12, the discussion is focusing on Iran and the possibility of a US strike. Israeli officials do not believe that a limited strike will bring down the regime, and that US President Donald Trump shares their assessment, according to the outlet. Therefore, …

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