US, Israel strike Iran after protests, nuclear talks stall

US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran following violent suppression of nationwide protests and failed nuclear negotiations. Protests erupted in December over economic hardship, leading to a crackdown with over 53,000 arrests and thousands of deaths. US President Trump cited 32,000 deaths while Iran acknowledges 3,000, blaming US/Israel. Nuclear talks collapsed as Washington demanded Iran halt uranium enrichment and address missile programs. Iran refuses to negotiate on missiles, calling them self-defense. Strikes target Iranian proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. Oil prices may rise due to regional instability.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/28/what-led-to-us-israeli-strikes-on-iran/