The United States and Iran are escalating tensions, with Washington threatening to use force to achieve its objectives, while Tehran refuses to back down. US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has effectively abandoned its nuclear plans, but he will make a decision about the country soon. Trump emphasized that the US will reach an agreement with Iran "one way or another," and that oil prices will start to decline.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned that Iran has a choice to make: abandon its nuclear program voluntarily or face US military action. Esper stated that President Trump is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and that the US will take all necessary measures to achieve this goal. This comes as the US has expelled two Iranian diplomats who were part of Tehran's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The expulsion of the diplomats is seen as a sign of increasing tensions between the two countries, with diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict stalled. According to a US official, the diplomats were asked to leave the country after they failed to comply with a request to depart. The move is part of a broader escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, with the two countries engaging in a war of words and actions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei stated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on the US taking steps to stop obstructing Iranian shipping. He emphasized that Tehran is committed to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and that claims of an agreement to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency are unfounded.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed his country's willingness to reach a "fair solution" with the US, while emphasizing that Tehran remains committed to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution. Araghchi warned that if the US chooses a path of confrontation, Iran will take all necessary measures to defend itself. He also stated that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz must be met.
The situation is further complicated by the economic strain on Iran, with inflation reaching record levels of around 90%. According to a source in Tehran, the country's economy is under severe pressure, but Iran is preparing for a potential US bombing campaign. The US has imposed severe sanctions on Iran, including on its oil exports, which has had a devastating impact on the country's economy.
In a separate development, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia will not sacrifice its relations with Iran for the sake of its relations with any other country. Medvedev emphasized that Russia and Iran are strategic partners and that Moscow is willing to mediate to end the conflict between Tehran and Washington. He also announced plans to build new nuclear power plants in Iran.
Key points
- The US has threatened to use force to achieve its objectives in Iran if Tehran does not comply with Washington's demands.
- Iran has refused to back down, emphasizing its commitment to its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
- The conflict has significant economic implications for Iran, with inflation reaching record levels and the country's oil exports severely impacted.
