U.S. President Donald Trump said that "the clock is ticking for Iran" and they should "act very quickly, or nothing will be left of them." According to Axios, Trump warned that Tehran would face a "much harsher strike" if it did not offer better terms for a deal. Although the American leader still prefers a diplomatic settlement, he returned to talking about a military option after Iran refused key concessions, particularly in its nuclear program.
Domestic factors influence Washington's stance: public discontent over rising fuel prices and inflation, as well as Republican concerns about their chances in the midterm elections. These considerations, analysts say, are forcing the U.S. administration to navigate between bargaining tactics and military threats. The White House is awaiting a meeting between Trump and his national security team to discuss Iran's response to the latest American proposal.
In Iran, the threat of a "hot war" is considered real due to comprehensive pressure: military threats, economic sanctions and the failure to uphold agreements. Professor Hassan Ahmadian of Tehran University emphasizes that the Iranians "do not have the luxury" of ignoring preparations for war, since their opponent has violated agreements three times in the past year. Despite a preference for diplomacy, Tehran is preparing for the next round of confrontation.
The editor-in-chief of the newspaper Vefaq, Mokhtar Haddad, called U.S. demands "binding" and close to Israel's. Washington is demanding the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program without lifting sanctions or unfreezing assets, while Israel is additionally insisting on restrictions on the missile program and Iran's regional influence. This stance, experts say, makes compromise virtually unattainable.
Iran conveyed its response to the American proposals through Pakistani intermediaries. Key disagreements concern the U.S. demand to hand over all enriched uranium and their refusal to compensate for damages or lift the freeze on Iranian assets. Tehran also objects to Washington's attempts to separate talks on regional conflicts and the situation in Lebanon from the overall dialogue with Iran.
Iranian military officials warn that if Trump's threats are carried out, the country will deliver a "powerful and unexpected strike" on U.S. forces and interests in the region, as well as on Israel. An official Ministry of Defense spokesman said that orders have already been issued to units to conduct sudden and decisive operations. Tehran stresses that it prefers diplomacy but is ready for a military response if negotiations do not lead to acceptable terms.
Comments on the news
- Who is Hassan Ahmadian, professor at Tehran University, and why is his assessment of interest for understanding Iran's position? — Hassan Ahmadian is a leading Iranian political scientist specializing in international security and Iran's foreign policy. His assessments are valuable because he often expresses views close to the official Iranian line while remaining a respected academic whose opinions are listened to both inside Iran and abroad. Ahmadian's analysis helps to understand Tehran's strategic priorities, especially in the context of negotiations with the West.
- What role does the newspaper Vefaq play in the Iranian media landscape and what political views does it reflect? — The newspaper Vefaq (if referring to an outlet close to reformist circles) acts as a voice for moderate pragmatists in Iran. It promotes ideas of dialogue with the West and internal reforms, contrasting with the hardline stance of conservative media. However, the exact political orientation of this publication may vary depending on context: at different times it could have supported both Hassan Rouhani's government and more conservative forces.
- Why did Pakistan act as a mediator in talks between the U.S. and Iran? — Pakistan has long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties with Iran and also maintains contacts with the U.S. As a neighboring country with a Sunni-majority population, Pakistan is interested in regional stability, especially given the threat of terrorism along its border with Iran. Additionally, Islamabad seeks to bolster its reputation as a regional peacemaker, enabling it to play the role of a "honest broker" in complex negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Full version: "عقارب ساعة" ترمب تدق بسرعة.. فكيف كان صداها في طهران؟