Tehran, Iran – In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has placed the country’s military on high alert in response to US demands for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear deal.
According to reports from Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand for direct negotiations, instead opting for indirect talks through Oman.
The move comes as Iran pushes back against US demands that it directly negotiate over its nuclear program or face military action. A senior Iranian official warned neighboring countries hosting US bases that they could be targeted if involved.
“Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington’s seriousness about a political solution with Iran,” the official said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, stating that direct talks with the US would be “meaningless” due to the US’s history of aggressive rhetoric and contradictory positions.
“Direct negotiations with a party that constantly threatens the use of force, in violation of the UN Charter, and adopts contradictory positions are meaningless,” Araghchi was quoted as saying by UAE-based Al-Ain Media.
The situation has sparked concerns of a potential military conflict, with global leaders urging calm and diplomacy to avoid catastrophic outcomes.The US has not commented on the latest developments, but has maintained its stance that Iran must negotiate a new nuclear deal or face increased economic and military pressure.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.