Tensions in the Middle East are now at their peak as Iran issued an open threat to attack Israeli nuclear facilities, while US President Donald Trump acted swiftly to block Israel's military strike plans for the time being.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council warned that if Israel attacks Iranian nuclear sites, Tehran will surely respond harshly.
Iran claims that it now has "an enormous amount of strategic and sensitive information" about Israel's nuclear infrastructure, which would allow for a full-scale strike capability.
At the same time, several Israeli sources told CBS News that Israel is ready to launch military operations against Iran, raising fears of a sudden outbreak of war.
Trump Chooses to Persuade Israel
In a 40-minute phone call on Monday, President Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone military plans.
While acknowledging that Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive, Trump stressed that diplomatic negotiations must take priority, especially as the US is close to reaching a nuclear deal with Iran in the near future.
Trump has insisted that a military strike on Iran should be ruled out for now, according to officials briefed on the matter.
Netanyahu, however, reportedly objected, saying that Iran was merely using diplomacy as a ploy to further develop its nuclear program.
While Trump has refused to support immediate military action, US troops have begun to be evacuated from several key bases in the Middle East, including in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The move followed a stern warning from Iran itself: Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh stated that if nuclear talks fail and conflict breaks out, “all US bases in the region are within our reach.”
Iran Claims Possession of Israeli Secrets
Adding to the tension, Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib claimed that Iran had obtained “thousands of documents” related to Israel’s nuclear program. He described the documents as a “treasure trove” of information, although physical evidence has yet to be produced.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), however, cast doubt on the significance of the documents.
However, Israeli security analysts are taking the threat seriously, given Iran’s history of cyberattacks and proxy operations.
Key Meeting in Oman
Despite the heightened tensions, negotiations over Iran’s proposed response to the latest nuclear deal are still ongoing, with new talks scheduled for Sunday with US special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, Oman.
However, both sides remain adamant.
Iran insists on the right to continue enriching uranium, while Trump insists enrichment must be stopped completely, with stricter verification measures.
Trump also warned that if diplomacy fails, “all options are open.”
World on alert
The risk of conflict continues to rattle global oil markets. Brent crude prices surged to $69.92 a barrel, a two-month high, as investors worried about supply disruptions.
Allies in Europe and Asia are also closely monitoring the situation, fearing that the tensions could threaten energy security and global geopolitical stability.
