Iran is standing firm as tensions rise over fears that Israel might attack its nuclear facilities. This comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution condemning Iran for its nuclear program. The resolution, backed by Western powers, claims Iran is not complying with international nuclear safeguards.
Oman is set to host talks between Iran and the United States this Sunday, aimed at addressing these nuclear concerns. Reports suggest that Israel is prepared to strike Iran’s nuclear sites even without U.S. support. Israel has long threatened military action against Iran, which it views as a significant threat.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that an Israeli attack could happen soon. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded defiantly, stating that Iran will not succumb to what he called American bullying. He pointed to Iran’s history of resilience during the Iraq-Iran War in the 1980s.
The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, warned that any Israeli attack would provoke a severe response from Iran. He emphasized that Iran is not defenseless and has significantly enhanced its military capabilities since last year.
In addition to military threats, Iran announced plans to build a third uranium enrichment site. This decision follows the IAEA’s censure and reflects Iran’s commitment to advancing its nuclear program. The country is currently enriching uranium to 60%, a level that raises concerns about potential weaponization, although Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes.
The upcoming talks in Muscat are crucial, particularly as the U.S. demands "zero enrichment" from Iran, a condition that Tehran has rejected. Iran is expected to present a counterproposal during these discussions.
As the situation unfolds, Iranian authorities are also tapping into national pride. A large sculpture of Arash Kamangir, a mythical hero, has been erected in Tehran, symbolizing resilience and strength. While some citizens express pride in this display, others see it as a political move amid rising tensions.
Despite the looming threat of conflict, the Iranian economy has shown some stability in recent weeks. The national currency, the rial, remains relatively steady, and many citizens are cautiously hopeful for a diplomatic resolution. However, the country’s ongoing economic struggles, including high inflation and sanctions, continue to weigh heavily on the population.