Iran Accuses Trump of 'Big Lies' Ahead of Nuclear Talks

As U.S. deploys major military force to Middle East, Iran warns negotiations must respect its 'dignity'

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Iran pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure tactics ahead of critical talks in Geneva over Tehran's nuclear program, alternating between calling his remarks 'big lies' and saying negotiations may yield an agreement through 'honorable diplomacy'. The remarks came as America has assembled its biggest deployment of aircraft and warships to the Middle East in decades, part of Trump's efforts to get a deal to constrain Iran's nuclear program.

Why it matters

The buildup of U.S. military forces in the region raises the stakes and risks of potential conflict, as Iran has warned that all American bases would be considered legitimate targets. Mideast nations fear an attack could spiral into a new regional war, while the U.S. and Iran remain at odds over Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The details

Iranian officials accused Trump of conducting a 'disinformation & misinformation campaign' against Iran, disputing his claims about Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities as well as the death toll from recent protests. Iran's parliament speaker warned the U.S. that it would 'taste the firm blow of the Iranian nation' if it attacks during the negotiations.

  • The talks in Geneva are scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • The U.S. has assembled its biggest deployment of aircraft and warships to the Middle East in decades in recent weeks.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if nuclear negotiations fail.

Esmail Baghaei

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry who accused Trump of conducting a 'disinformation & misinformation campaign' against Iran.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf

The speaker of Iran's parliament who warned the U.S. that it would 'taste the firm blow of the Iranian nation' if it attacks during the negotiations.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who said Iran is 'always trying to rebuild elements' of its nuclear program.

Steve Witkoff

The special U.S. Mideast envoy who will lead the American delegation in the talks with Iran in Geneva.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear program, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest is simply the repetition of 'big lies'.”

— Esmail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman (X)

“If you choose the table of diplomacy — a diplomacy in which the dignity of the Iranian nation and mutual interests are respected — we will also be at that table. But if you decide to repeat past experiences through deception, lies, flawed analysis and false information, and launch an attack in the midst of negotiations, you will undoubtedly taste the firm blow of the Iranian nation and the country's defensive forces.”

— Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker (Student News Network)

“We hope progress can be made. But it's also important to remember that Iran refuses — refuses — to talk about the ballistic missiles to us or to anyone, and that's a big problem.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.