Iran accuses US of spreading ‘big lies’ after Trump’s State of the Union address – US politics live
The Guardian World
by Tom Ambrose (now) and Taz Ali (earlier)February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, has led a delegation from Tehran to Geneva for a third round of nuclear negotiations amid escalating tensions with the United States. The US has positioned a significant naval force near Iran’s coastline, possibly signaling intentions for military action. During his recent State of the Union address, President Donald Trump accused Tehran of developing weapons capable of striking the US, while Iranian officials have rejected these allegations as "big lies."
The situation has intensified as Trump gives Tehran approximately 10 to 15 days to reach a deal, potentially linking this deadline to political optics ahead of the 2020 election. Iran’s delegation is willing to engage in negotiations but has emphasized that any agreement must respect its sovereignty and nuclear rights under international law.
This dynamic underscores the high stakes for global stability. US-Iran relations have been strained since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, reimposing sanctions on Tehran. Iran, in turn, has distanced itself from the agreement and resumed uranium enrichment activities beyond agreed limits. The ongoing negotiations in Geneva aim to address these issues, but both sides remain deeply divided.
The situation matters significantly for readers interested in global politics, as it impacts regional stability, US foreign policy, and international security dynamics. The outcome of these talks could either ease tensions or further escalate them, with far-reaching consequences
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026