Capitals, Feb. 8 (SANA) – Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following indirect talks held in Muscat, Oman, as both sides exchanged firm political messages over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that negotiations with Iran were progressing “well,” while warning of consequences if talks fail. US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff later visited the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, alongside senior military officials, underscoring Washington’s continued military presence in the region amid ongoing diplomacy.
On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to continue uranium enrichment, stressing that no external party has the right to impose conditions on Iran’s nuclear activities. Speaking at a foreign policy conference, Araghchi said Iran remains committed to diplomacy but rejects pressure or domination, adding that negotiations remain the only viable path forward.
Observers say the parallel diplomatic engagement and military signaling reflect a calculated effort by both sides to gain leverage, while keeping channels of dialogue open.
The renewed tension comes amid ongoing unrest inside Iran, as well as continued US sanctions and regional deployments, adding further complexity to an already fragile negotiating environment.
