Links to NINE reports: from the Associated Press, Middle East Eye, the Cradle, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (Scroll down for IRAN 2-5-26, and up or down for GAZA and WEST BANK.) — MCM

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NEWER  America’s military leader in the Mideast joins U.S.-Iran talks in Oman, by Jon Gambrell | AP  MUSCAT — Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman today, negotiations that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program. But for the first time, America brought its top military commander in the Middle East to the table. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish, and HERE for others.

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U.S.-Iran nuclear talks begin under shadow of military escalation.  From Middle East Eye. The United States and Iran began talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme today in the Omani capital Muscat, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. READ MORE . . .

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Trump has no ‘clear guidance’ for Iran as nuclear talks resume: report. From the Cradle. U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have no “clear guidance” on what Washington hopes to accomplish in any potential attack against Iran, sources told NBC News today. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for report from NBC News.

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U.S. Treasury head admits creating ‘dollar shortage’ in Iran to spark Decembers protests. From the Cradle. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday that Washington helped spark recent protests and riots in Iran by creating a U.S. dollar shortage, leading to the collapse of a major and runaway inflation. READ MORE . . .

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Epstein trained as an Israeli spy, FBI document says, by Peter McNamara | Middle East Eye  A 2020 FBI document included in the Epstein files alleges that billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was “trained as a spy” under former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. READ MORE . . .

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Iran and U.S. to hold talks in Oman about Iran’s nuclear program. Reported by Greg Myre and Leila Fadel | NPR  The stakes are high as the U.S. and Iran begin negotiations Friday on Iran’s nuclear program. If they can’t reach a deal, President Trump could order a military strike. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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Former National Security adviser on the nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran. Steve Inskeep of NPR talks with former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan about the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ahead of Friday’s talks in Oman. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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Iranians face intense crackdown by security forces ahead of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Reported by Arezou Rezvani | NPR  As the U.S. and Iran prepare to hold nuclear talks in Oman today, people in Iran are facing an intense crackdown as security forces track down anyone who was involved in the anti-government protests. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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