Iran puts its army on high alert as tensions with US escalate over nuclear program

Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert as tensions with the United States escalate over the country’s nuclear program.

A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the move, emphasizing that Iran is resisting U.S. demands for direct negotiations, which Washington has linked to the threat of military action, per Caliber.Az.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has called for face-to-face talks, Iran has firmly rejected these demands but expressed its willingness to continue indirect negotiations through Oman. The Gulf state has long served as a neutral channel for communication between the two adversaries.

"Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran," the official stated, noting that while the path to resolution could be “rocky,” such discussions may proceed soon if U.S. signals indicate a genuine desire for diplomacy.

In a further escalation, Iran has sent warnings to neighboring countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain. Tehran has made it clear that any support for a U.S. military strike, including the use of their airspace or territory, would be deemed an act of hostility with severe consequences.

These developments come amid a backdrop of growing regional instability. President Trump’s rhetoric on military action, coupled with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. The volatile situation has rattled countries around the Persian Gulf, a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies, where tensions between Iran and U.S.-aligned Arab monarchies remain high.

By Khagan Isayev