Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated further on Wednesday, with Tehran warning it would target American military bases in the region should conflict erupt, as President Donald Trump expressed dwindling confidence in the possibility of reviving a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic.
Speaking ahead of a sixth round of negotiations expected later this week, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said that all US bases in the region were within striking range if Washington initiated hostilities.
“Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don’t come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us, all US bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries,” Nasirzadeh told reporters, according to a report by Reuters.
The remarks come amid a precarious diplomatic climate. Since April, the two sides have engaged in five rounds of indirect talks as the Trump administration seeks to impose stricter constraints on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. However, prospects for progress appear bleak.
In a podcast interview released on Wednesday, President Trump said he was “less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago” about securing a deal. He accused Tehran of shifting its posture in recent weeks, suggesting the possibility of reaching an agreement was fading.
“I don’t think I see the same level of enthusiasm for them to make a deal,” Trump said on Pod Force One. While reaffirming the US position to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb, the US president also voiced a preference for a diplomatic solution. “It would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying,” he said.
Talks are tentatively scheduled to resume later this week, with Washington indicating a Thursday start and Tehran proposing Sunday. The upcoming discussions are expected to take place in Oman.
Tehran firm on red lines
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his country's long-held position, stating that Tehran would never seek to develop nuclear weapons but remained resolute on its right to conduct research.
“We have announced and the supreme leader has a belief that we will not build nuclear weapons… But who gave you permission to say that we in this country do not have the right to conduct research on such and such topics?” President Pezeshkian said during a public address.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the sentiment, calling for continued uranium enrichment under international oversight. He noted that Iran shared the US concern about nuclear proliferation in principle, but maintained that its programme remained peaceful.
“President Trump entered office saying that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal,” Araghchi posted on social media platform X.
He added that with goodwill, an agreement was “within reach — and could be achieved rapidly”.
Missile test raises fresh concerns
Adding to Western apprehensions, Nasirzadeh also revealed on Wednesday that Iran had recently tested a missile capable of carrying a 2,000kg warhead. He did not clarify whether it was a modification of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile — known to have a range exceeding 2,000km — or an entirely new design.
Iran’s missile programme remains a critical sticking point in negotiations, particularly due to its dual-use potential in delivering nuclear payloads.
Russia calls for restraint
Russia has meanwhile stepped in, offering to mediate. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow could assist by facilitating the removal of Iranian nuclear material and converting it into civilian reactor fuel.
He urged all sides to refrain from escalatory moves and work towards a negotiated outcome.
IAEA resolution looms
As negotiations hang in the balance, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently convening in Vienna, where it is expected to vote on a resolution that could censure Iran for non-compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Tehran has warned of a “proportionate” response to any punitive measures taken by the agency or Western governments.
US embassy in Baghdad remains operational
Despite increased tensions, Iraqi officials reported no signs of imminent danger requiring an evacuation of US personnel. Iraq’s state news agency confirmed that the government had not observed any security threat warranting such action.
Earlier reports suggested Washington was preparing a partial drawdown of its diplomatic presence in the region, including allowing military dependents to leave certain Middle Eastern countries as a precaution.
Background
The recent escalation recalls earlier flashpoints in US-Iran relations, particularly after the Trump administration in 2018 unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — a landmark accord between Tehran and world powers designed to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran has since gradually expanded its nuclear capabilities, prompting repeated warnings from the West and heightened regional anxieties.
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