US-Iran Tensions Rise as Indirect Nuclear Talks Resume; Europe Braces for More Severe Storms – 2/7/2026, 12:25:01 PM

Top world news as of February 7, 2026, centers on indirect US-Iran talks in Oman over Iran’s nuclear program amid heightened tensions, alongside severe weather in Europe and US military actions in the Southern Command region.[1][2]

US-Iran Nuclear Talks and Tensions

Oman mediated the first major indirect talks since US strikes on Iran’s uranium enrichment sites following Israel’s conflict with Iran last June, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkov meeting separately in Muscat.[1][2] Discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear program, against a backdrop of recent nationwide protests in Iran met with violent government crackdown killing thousands, US threats of military force by President Trump demanding zero nuclear capability, a US Navy jet downing an Iranian drone near an aircraft carrier, and the recent deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group.[1][2] Tensions persist over Iran’s proxy support and ballistic missiles, with Iran vowing retaliation against US bases if attacked.[2]

Europe Weather Crisis

Storm Leonardo has caused severe flooding and landslides in Spain and Portugal, with Spain’s weather agency forecasting another storm system over the weekend.[2]

US Military Strike in Southern Command

US Southern Command conducted a lethal strike on a vessel operated by designated terrorist organizations, killing two people as part of Operation Southern Spear—Trump’s campaign against drug boats that has killed at least 119 people total; no US injuries reported.[1]

Other Notable Developments

• A demonstration alert warns of approximately 3,000 demonstrators marching in Milan, Italy, on February 7 at 3:00 PM along Piazzale Medaglie D’Oro and Corso Lodi.[4]
• US domestic political news includes Sen. Thom Tillis blocking Federal Reserve nominations amid a DOJ investigation into Chair Jerome Powell.[3]