Escalating Tensions Between Iran and the United States
Iran's military has issued a stern warning that it will "open new fronts" against the United States if attacks resume, following statements from former President Donald Trump. Trump had previously indicated he was holding off on a planned military strike in hopes of reaching a deal with Iran. This comes amid an ongoing ceasefire that has been in place since April 8, as well as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran through intermediaries to end the conflict that began with U.S. strikes on February 28.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump mentioned that Gulf leaders had requested him to delay the attack, which was scheduled for the following day, due to ongoing negotiations. However, he also emphasized that the U.S. military was prepared for a full-scale assault on Iran if a satisfactory agreement was not reached.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticized Trump's remarks, suggesting that the U.S. leader was mischaracterizing a threat as an opportunity for peace. On Tuesday, Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, warned that the Islamic Republic would open new fronts against the United States if attacks resumed. He added that Iran's military had used the ceasefire to strengthen its combat capabilities, though he did not provide further details.
Drone Attack on UAE Nuclear Plant
The situation escalated further when the United Arab Emirates announced that a drone attack on its Barakah nuclear power plant on Sunday originated from Iraqi territory. The Emirati defense ministry confirmed that technical tracking showed the drones came from Iraq, where Iran supports groups accused of launching attacks on Gulf nations. A top Emirati official had previously suggested that Iran or one of its regional proxies was responsible for the attack.
Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated that more time was needed for the ongoing Pakistani-mediated efforts to facilitate talks between Iran and the United States. These discussions aim to reach a deal to end the war.
Control Over the Strait of Hormuz
Since the ceasefire took effect on April 8, Tehran and Washington have held only one round of talks, which failed to produce a deal. Meanwhile, Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, while the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
According to Iran's ISNA news agency, military spokesman Akraminia reiterated that Iran would continue to manage the strait, stating that the U.S. has little choice but to respect Iran's legitimate rights. On Monday, Iran officially established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to oversee traffic through the strait, claiming it should be within the boundaries defined by the Iranian armed forces.
The Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military, also threatened to implement a permit system for internet fiber optic cables passing through the waterway. They stated that, citing their absolute sovereignty over the bed and subsoil of their territorial sea, Iran could declare that all such cables are subject to permits.
Disputes Over Negotiation Terms
At the same time, Iran's foreign ministry said it had responded to the latest U.S. proposal, which Iranian media described as "excessive" and offering "no tangible concessions." According to Fars news agency, the U.S. presented a five-point list that included demands for Iran to keep only one nuclear site operational and to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States.
The U.S. reportedly refused to release even 25% of Iran's frozen assets abroad or pay reparations for war damage. Fars also noted that the U.S. made it clear it would only cease hostilities if Tehran engaged in formal peace negotiations.
Iran, however, insists on its own demands, including the release of frozen assets, the lifting of long-standing sanctions, and war reparations. Later, Tasnim news agency, citing an unnamed source close to the Iranian negotiating team, reported that the U.S. made a new step forward by agreeing to waive oil sanctions during ongoing negotiations.
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