E-Paper
Iran issues cryptic 'we are ready' warning as tensions with US rise
Iran posts cryptic “we are ready” message as reports suggest possible US-supported Israeli strike
The Islamic Republic of Iran, in a cryptic post on the social media platform ‘X’, declared, “We are Ready.” The statement came amid US intelligence's report that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
The United States is also anticipating potential retaliatory strikes by Iran on American targets in neighboring Iraq. As a precautionary measure, the US government advised some American citizens to leave the region.
The development follows a failed round of negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. US President Donald Trump maintained a hardline stance on Thursday, stating, “They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that.”
Trump added, “US military personnel are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out.”
US, Iran to resume nuclear deal talks
Despite heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, diplomatic efforts remain underway, with a high-level meeting scheduled for this weekend, reported news agency Reuters.
According to a US official cited by the news agency, special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday to discuss Tehran's anticipated response to a recent American proposal concerning a nuclear agreement.
Earlier this week, Iran announced it would soon present a counter-proposal to the United States, rejecting the current American offer as “unacceptable.” Trump, however, has signalled that negotiations are ongoing, and Washington remains open to dialogue.
The Republican President is continuing his efforts to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran aimed at curbing the country’s controversial uranium enrichment activities. Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to military action.
Washington has justified its move by pointing to Iran’s support for militant groups across the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
US officials argue that these ties underscore the threat Iran poses to both Israel and American strategic interests in the region.
