Iran Update, February 12, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented US President Donald Trump with evidence that the Iranian regime continued to kill protesters even after it told the United States that it would stop harming civilians and that Iran has never intended to discuss non-nuclear issues with the United States, according to Israeli media.[61] Netanyahu and Trump met at the White House on February 11.[62] AUS-based human rights organization has recorded a total of 7,002 deaths and over 52,000 arrests in the recent protests as of February 11.[63] Unspecified Iranian lawyers defending detained protesters in Iran separately told Western media on February 6 that the Iranian regime plans to execute “thousands” of Iranians who participated in the recent protests.[64] CTP-ISW cannot verify the reliability of this report. The Iranian judiciary conducted its first execution of a protester from the 2022-2023 Mahsa Amini protest movement in December 2022, two months after the start of the protest movement.[65]
Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programs.[66] Trump stated that he insisted that “negotiations with Iran continue” during his meeting with Netanyahu.[67] Netanyahu’s office stated that Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s security needs during the meeting.[68] Israeli media previously reported that Netanyahu sought to urge Trump not to accept a deal with Iran that does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program.[69]
The Iranian regime is unlikely to make any concessions on its ballistic missile program because it views its missile capabilities as an essential component of its defensive and deterrence strategies. Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS)-affiliated outlet Defa Press published an op-ed on February 12 in which it suggested that strengthening Iran’s defense readiness and missile capabilities could increase Iran’s leverage in negotiations with the United States.[70] Defa Press added that Iran can use its “military winning card,” likely referring to its ballistic missiles, to respond to any US actions.[71] Iranian officials have continued to insist that Iran will not negotiate on its ballistic missile program and support for the Axis of Resistance during the current US-Iran talks.[72] Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Ali Larijani told Omani media on February 10 that Iran could agree to expand the scope of its talks with the United States “to other areas” if the current nuclear negotiations are successful. Larijani likely made this comment in an attempt to float the possibility that Iran may be willing to negotiate on its ballistic missile program to drag out the current talks and prevent US or Israeli military action against Iran.[73] Larijani did not state that Iran would be willing to make concessions on its ballistic missile program even if it agreed to “discuss” the issue with the United States, however. The Iranian regime is unlikely to make any concessions that would limit its ability to produce and maintain its ballistic missile stockpile due to the centrality of the missile program in Iranian defensive and deterrence strategies. Former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari argued in October 2025 that Iran’s missile program is its main form of deterrence and that Iran deliberately prioritized developing its missile and drone capabilities over its air and ground forces to counter the superior capabilities of the United States and Israel.[74]
The Institute for Science and International Security assessed on February 11 that Iran is likely fortifying entrances at its Kolang Gaz La Mountain nuclear facility in Esfahan Province to protect the facility from future US or Israeli strikes.[90] The Institute published imagery that shows concrete-reinforced headworks, additional dirt overburdens, and heavy construction machinery at multiple tunnel portals.[91] The Institute reported that construction materials and heavy machinery suggest that the site is likely still not operational.[92] The Institute previously assessed that Iran could use the Kolang Gaz La facility to house an advanced centrifuge assembly plant or potentially a small undeclared enrichment plant.[93] The Institute has assessed in recent weeks that Iran is also hardening infrastructure at the Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center and Parchin Military Complex’s Taleghan 2 facility in preparation for possible future strikes.[94]
https://understandingwar.org/research/middle-east/iran-update-february-12-2026/
Watch: A Massacre in Iran - Part Two: The Hippocratic Oath
⚠️ Audience Advisory: This documentary contains extremely graphic and distressing content. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
In the days following the January massacre of protesters in Iran, many doctors, nurses, and medical staff remained true to their oath. When hospitals became unsafe and dangerous, they risked their own safety to help wounded protesters.
The second episode of A Massacre in Iran includes footage and testimonies of wounded protesters being shot at close range inside hospitals, security forces storming medical centers, and injured demonstrators receiving treatment at home out of fear of arrest.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9l6_gqELII
https://x.com/IranIntl_En/status/2022045555992801643