Iran hardens nuclear stance as tensions rise

⁢ Updated June 12, 2025
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Tehran remains resolute as a fresh ‍round of nuclear ‍talks with the United states‍ is⁣ set to begin in Oman ⁣on Sunday, even as⁣ concerns mount over a potential Israeli strike. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has censured Iran, further escalating regional tensions.

Oman’s confirmation of the upcoming talks coincides with reports that Israel is prepared to act independently against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The U.S.had begun a partial evacuation of‍ embassy staff⁤ in ⁣Iraq and dependents ⁤of personnel elsewhere in the Middle East, signaling heightened unease.

“I don’t want to say⁢ imminent,but it⁣ looks like it’s something that could very well happen,” President Trump said Thursday,regarding a possible Israeli strike.

Iranian president⁣ Masoud ⁣Pezeshkian, in a⁣ televised address, vowed defiance⁤ against U.S. pressure, recalling Iran’s resilience during⁣ the‍ eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s. Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary⁢ Guard Corps (IRGC), warned that any Israeli attack would ⁢trigger an unprecedented response, far surpassing previous retaliatory strikes.

Salami emphasized that Iran is not as vulnerable as‍ Gaza,where more than 55,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023.IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani⁣ asserted that⁣ Iran’s military capabilities have substantially ‍improved as the last ‍exchange of fire ‍with Israel.

Mohammad Bagheri, chief of ‍staff of ⁣the Iranian armed forces, announced ⁣additional military exercises, following a series of large-scale drills earlier in the year that⁣ showcased advanced weaponry⁢ and tactics.

Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh reiterated Wednesday that U.S. military bases ‍across the region are legitimate targets should conflict erupt. He said Iran successfully launched a ballistic missile last week and promised heavy casualties for the U.S. in any confrontation.

Iran to build third⁣ enrichment site

The IAEA’s board passed a resolution Thursday censuring Iran for its nuclear program and unresolved issues⁢ related to nuclear materials.The resolution,introduced by the U.S.,France,Germany,and the United Kingdom,accuses Iran of non-compliance ⁤with⁤ nuclear nonproliferation obligations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusation as baseless, accusing Western powers of manipulating the IAEA for political gain. In‍ response,Iran announced plans to construct a third uranium enrichment ⁢site ⁣at a secure location and to replace ‍first-generation centrifuges ⁤with more advanced models at the ‍Fordow enrichment plant.

The natanz ⁢and Fordow facilities are currently Iran’s only uranium⁤ enrichment sites, both heavily monitored⁢ by the IAEA. Iran is ⁣enriching uranium up to 60 percent,asserting its nuclear program is ⁢for peaceful purposes. ⁣Weapons-grade uranium requires 90 percent⁤ purity.

‘Zero’ enrichment demand looms over talks

As Iran and the U.S. ⁣prepare ⁣for talks in Muscat,disagreement persists over uranium enrichment. The 2015 nuclear deal allowed Iran to ⁤enrich uranium to 3.67 percent⁣ under IAEA supervision. Trump has demanded a complete halt‍ to enrichment within Iran.

Tehran, which rejected a recent U.S. proposal for zero enrichment, is expected to present a counterproposal. Efforts to establish a nuclear consortium involving Iran’s ⁤neighbors have so far failed.

Israeli Strategic Affairs minister ⁢Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea ⁤are⁣ scheduled to meet with U.S. envoy ⁤Steve Witkoff before the Oman talks.

Tehran leans on national sentiment

A large sculpture of Arash the Archer,⁤ a figure of Iranian mythology, was recently erected in Tehran’s Vanak Square. The story of Arash, who⁣ used his archery to define‍ Iran’s borders, evokes national pride. The statue’s appearance sparked mixed reactions, with some praising‍ it as a symbol of national⁤ identity and others criticizing it as an attempt to exploit ‍nationalist sentiment amid ⁤rising tensions.

مجسمه بزرگ ۱۵ متری از آرش کمانگیر امروز در میدان ونک تهران نصب شد. pic.twitter.com/QQBglpxWXO

— Azadeh Mokhtari (@azademokhtari) June 10,⁤ 2025

Despite the threat of war, markets in ⁣Iran have remained relatively stable, anticipating the⁤ outcome of ⁢negotiations⁣ with the ‍U.S. The Iranian ⁤rial traded at approximately 840,000 per U.S. dollar⁢ on Thursday,showing⁣ only a slight⁣ dip.

“Most ‍people I’ve spoken to here ⁤are following the news of the talks with the US and ‍Israel’s threats very ⁣closely, but there’s⁣ no panic,” ‍said⁣ a‍ vendor at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, who requested anonymity. he added that ‍Iranians are weary of economic hardship and hope for a resolution.

What’s next

The upcoming talks in Oman will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic solution can⁣ be⁤ reached to de-escalate tensions and address ‍concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The outcome will likely ‍shape the future of‍ regional⁢ stability and international relations with⁢ Iran.