Iran is pushing back against US demands for direct negotiations over its nuclear program, instead seeking indirect talks through Oman. A senior Iranian official stated that indirect talks could begin soon if US messaging supports it.
Iran has warned neighboring countries that host US bases that they could be targeted in the event of a conflict, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei placing Iran’s armed forces on high alert. Iran is seeking a political solution and has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon, but is accelerating uranium enrichment to 60% purity.