Iran mocks U.S. after talks, warns against Israeli sway as tensions escalates

Iran has mocked the United States after indirect nuclear talks in Oman, accusing Washington of sitting at “the same table” as Israel and Arab partners who no longer fully back its regional strategy. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei urged US officials to “act independently” of Israeli pressure, branding Israel a spoiler that opposes any diplomatic track leading to de-escalation in West Asia. His remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington, vowing to push Trump to harden any deal by adding strict limits on Iran’s ballistic missiles and its support for regional allies, while US forces reinforce their presence in Gulf waters, stoking fears of potential military action if talks stall.