Tensions Rise Between Iran, Israel, And The US (Representative Image – Credits: Twitter)
In a post on X, US Senator Tom Cotton claimed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed Iran is “actively working towards a nuclear weapon.”
“For the sake of our national security, the security of our allies, and millions of civilians in the region this cannot be allowed to happen,” he wrote.
This comes as President Donald Trump expressed doubt about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. “I’m less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago,” Trump told the New York Post. “Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made.”
US intelligence officials are concerned that Israel might act without American approval, which could derail the talks and lead to Iran’s retaliation on the US assets, reported the Washington Post. Tehran has warned that the US would be held responsible if Israel attacks.
To prepare for the possibility, the State Department has ordered embassies near Iranian targets, including those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa, to hold emergency meetings and report safety measures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the departure of nonessential embassy workers in Iraq. “Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,” a State Department official said, reported WP.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also authorized military families in the region to leave if they choose to do so. US Central Command is working with the State Department and allies to stay ready, as per the reports. “We are watching and worried,” said a senior diplomat, reported WP. “We think it’s more serious than any other time in the past.”
Iran’s UN mission called for diplomacy, not force. “Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability,” it said in a post on X.
A sixth round of direct talks is scheduled for Sunday in Oman, but may be delayed, according to reports. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that Trump’s stance against nuclear weapons “is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal.
“As we resume talks on Sunday, it is clear that an agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program is within reach—and could be achieved rapidly,” he added.
As per IAEA, Iran now holds 900 pounds of near weapons-grade uranium and is still not answering questions about past secret nuclear work, reported WP. European nations may bring back sanctions, but Iran says they failed to meet their own promises. Araghchi warned Iran would “react STRONGLY” if the IAEA votes for a resolution.
