Tehran's Bold Stance: A Nuclear Negotiation Showdown

Tensions rise as Iran's Parliament Speaker warns of striking U.S. bases if the U.S. follows through with military threats over a nuclear deal. Iranian officials denounce Trump's diplomatic letter as deceptive, yet still open to future negotiations.

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Tehran has warned of direct military retaliation against U.S. bases if Washington proceeds with military threats linked to nuclear deal negotiations. The Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Qalibaf, delivered this message on Friday as tensions rise over nuclear negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, claiming military action or a new deal as the only paths forward. While Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump's overture as deceptive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted the possibility of dialogue if the U.S. revises its 'maximum pressure' strategy.

The backdrop to this heightened scenario is Trump's 2018 withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear agreement, leading to renewed U.S. sanctions and Iran violating uranium enrichment terms. While Western powers suspect Iran's nuclear intentions extend beyond civilian purposes, Tehran maintains its energy-driven program claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)