Links to FIVE reports: from Reuters, Middle East Eye, National Public Radio, and the Cradle; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (Scroll down for IRAN 2-6-26, and up or down for GAZA and MEDIA.) — MCM

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If U.S. attacks, Iran says it will strike U.S. bases in the region, by Jaidaa ‌Taha and Enas Alashry | Reuters  CAIRO — Iran will strike U.S. bases in the Middle East if it is attacked by American forces that have massed in the region, its foreign minister said today, insisting that this should not be seen as an attack on the countries hosting them. READ MORE . . .

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Iran says missile programme ‘never negotiable’ in talks with U.S. From Middle East Eye. Iran‘s missile programme was “never negotiable” in talks, the country’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said today to Al Jazeera as talks continued between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. in Oman. READ MORE . . .

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Thousands of Iraqis volunteer to defend Iran against U.S. attack, by Alex MacDonald | Middle East Eye  Almost 5,000 Iraqis have signed a pledge to help defend, Iraq’s neighbor Iran “without any compensation” in the event of a U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic, according to a statement. READ MORE . . .

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What’s next for the U.S. and Iran following preliminary talks? Reported by Jane Arraf and Scott Simon | NPR  U.S. and Iranian envoys have held talks aimed at averting possible U.S. strikes on Iran. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM FEB. 6  Iran–U.S. talks end with no deal, new sanctions against Tehran. From the Cradle. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Omani-mediated negotiations between Tehran and Washington were held in a “good atmosphere,” despite no agreement being reached and the imposition of new sanctions on Tehran. READ MORE . . .

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