Iran Summary – February 2026

After months of severed diplomatic channels, U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams held three rounds of Omani-mediated indirect nuclear talks. As the teams struggled to reach an agreement, Iranian officials continued to show military aggression, prompting a mass U.S. force buildup in the Middle East.

As Iranian forces braced for a potential U.S. attack, regime authorities continued to exert force internally by suppressing growing dissent. Despite the risks, protesters continued to rally throughout Iran against the regime. While protests in early February were mostly limited to balcony chants, protesters gathered in city centers to mark the end of the 40-day mourning period since the January 8 and 9 massacres, igniting renewed demonstrations on university campuses throughout Iran.

While struggling to accept U.S. negotiating terms and facing widespread internal dissent, Iran continued to project its power throughout the region by supporting Lebanese Hezbollah, who declared its dedication for Iran in the event of a U.S. attack. Meanwhile, Iran received immense diplomatic and military support from Russia and China.

Note: This report only includes information from February 1 – February 27, 2026. For JINSA’s coverage of Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, please visit JINSA’s website, https://jinsa.org/.

Click here to read the February 2026 Iran Summary.