Iran accuses Trump of ‘big lies’ as US warns of ballistic missile threat
Sydney Morning Herald
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran has accused US President Donald Trump of spreading "big lies" regarding its nuclear program and ballistic missile development, while the US continues to ramp up pressure on Tehran ahead of critical talks in Geneva. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran is attempting to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, a claim Iran dismisses as part of a misinformation campaign. This comes as Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have made clear that the US is prepared to take military action if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, aim to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile activities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for the third round of discussions, while US officials led by special envoy Steve Witkoff are also present. However, tensions remain high, with both sides engaging in saber-rattling rhetoric. Trump has warned that Iran is working on technology to directly threaten the United States, while Iranian officials have labeled his claims as "disinformation."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei even compared Trump to Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propaganda minister, accusing the US of orchestrating a misinformation campaign. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that if diplomacy fails and the US resorts to military action during negotiations, Iran will respond with force. This mutual threatening has raised concerns about potential US military strikes on Iran, though the timing remains uncertain.
The situation highlights the high stakes of the ongoing diplomatic efforts. While both sides appear willing to engage in talks, their conflicting narratives and accusations suggest a fragile path forward. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact global security and US-Iran relations.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026