Iran Hardens Crackdown on Political Dissidents After US Talks

Feb. 9, 2026, 10:56 AM UTC

Iran extended the prison sentence of a Nobel peace laureate and detained several prominent reformist figures, escalating a crackdown on dissents weeks after security forces killed thousands of people to quell nationwide protests.

The weekend’s arrests came days after the Islamic Republic and the US had indirect nuclear talks, the first since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel jettisoned earlier efforts to find a diplomatic solution to a standoff that’s rattled oil markets and regional security. The two parties sounded a positive note on conversations and agreed to hold a second round this week.

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