[80791] Peak tension between the US and Iran: Congress discussions, threats against Oman, and the fate of the nuclear program

[80791] Peak tension between the US and Iran: Congress discussions, threats against Oman, and the fate of the nuclear program

Peak tension between the US and Iran: Congress discussions, threats against Oman, and the fate of the nuclear program

In a series of dramatic discussions in Congress, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the US administration is in talks with the Islamic Republic, and even claimed that "there are signs of increasing involvement by Mojtaba Khamenei in the negotiation process," according to a report by Vahid Online. Rubio emphasized that the US's first condition for any progress is the "full and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz," but clarified that the lifting of sanctions would not be carried out solely for that reason, but would be conditional on significant achievements in the nuclear issue according to Vahid Online.

On the Iranian side and among sources identified with the Revolutionary Guards, the narrative is completely different. The Revolutionary Guards news channel claimed that the fighting constitutes a "strategic failure" of the Trump administration, while clarifying that "there was no destruction of the Iranian Navy" as claimed by Rubio. Official sources in Tehran emphasize that they are prepared for any military scenario if the fighting is renewed.

Simultaneously, reports from the Wall Street Journal point to unprecedented American pressure on Oman – the traditional mediator between the sides – demanding that it "choose a side" and sever its diplomatic ties with Iran, after the Trump administration began to view its neutral position as a "hostile position."

The issue of the enriched uranium stockpile remains a focus of technical discussions. Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, noted that transferring Iran's uranium stockpile out of the country is an action that is "difficult but not impossible," and added that the organization is examining alternatives such as dilution of the material, as reported by Iran International. On the other hand, Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov claimed that "the removal of uranium is not essential at all" and that these are premature initiatives.

While President Donald Trump continues to attack the American media on social networks, claiming they are ignoring his achievements, Democratic senators like Cory Booker have sharply criticized the administration, saying that "the American public sees the failure of the war in their own pockets, in gas prices and the cost of living," according to a report by FarsNewsInt.