The increasing regional tensions are related to Iran’s progressing nuclear program, according to ANI, citing CBS News.
In anticipation of possible retaliation from Tehran, especially against US sites in neighboring Iraq, the US State Department on Wednesday (June 10) directed non-emergency government personnel to leave Iraq. A defense official also confirmed to CBS News that the Pentagon has approved voluntary departures of military families throughout the Middle East.
Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon: Trump
During an event at the Kennedy Centre on June 10, US President Donald Trump noted that the region “could be a dangerous place” and emphasized the US stance on Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that,” Trump asserted.
Read more: Iran risks UN sanctions as nuclear talks falter and IAEA inspections face limits
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, continues to pursue diplomatic efforts and is scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Oman for a sixth round of talks on Sunday, June 15. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has confirmed the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), as reported by AP.
Iran threatens retaliation, negotiations continue
Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh informed reporters on June 10 that if conflict arises, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps “will target all US bases in the host countries,” according to CBS News.
While Iran has expressed its readiness to soon propose a counter-offer to a recent US proposal, it has labeled the American plan as “unacceptable.” Trump acknowledged on Monday, June 9, that he felt “less confident” about Iran’s willingness to cease uranium enrichment, as reported by Reuters.
Israel has consistently opposed any diplomatic dealings with Iran, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office affirming that numerous overt and covert operations have been carried out to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities, as per CBS.
Read more: Iran claims without evidence that it took Israeli nuclear files
Trump has publicly advised Netanyahu to postpone any military action while negotiations are underway. “I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution,” he stated.
Iran’s nuclear programme
Since the United States exited the 2015 nuclear agreement during Trump’s first term, Tehran has substantially increased its uranium stockpile.
Iran asserts that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful and civilian purposes. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report approximately two weeks ago indicating that Iran now possesses over 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%, dangerously close to the weapons-grade threshold of 90%.
Amid these escalating tensions, the UK Maritime Trade Organisation has issued a notice urging vessels to exercise caution in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, which are crucial routes for global oil trade, citing the risk of military escalation.
