“Iran Threatens Fierce Retaliation Amid US Tensions”

Iran warned the United States against any form of attack, stating that it would retaliate fiercely in response. This statement came after President Donald Trump considered launching limited strikes on Iran. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East to pressure Iran into reaching a deal during upcoming negotiations. Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized that any attack, even if limited, would be seen as an act of aggression, triggering a vigorous self-defense response. The two countries recently held indirect talks in Switzerland with Omani mediation, with further discussions scheduled for Thursday. The European Union urged a diplomatic resolution to avoid escalating tensions in the region, emphasizing the need to capitalize on Iran’s current vulnerabilities for peaceful negotiations. Iran has clarified that only discussions related to its nuclear program are open for negotiation, denying allegations of aiming to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading the talks, while the U.S. delegation includes envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Reports suggest that Iran is willing to make concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium, aiming to prevent a U.S. military strike. Despite efforts to keep diplomacy alive, significant differences remain between the two sides regarding sanctions relief and other key issues. Iran has proposed various measures, including sending highly enriched uranium abroad and allowing U.S. companies to participate in its oil industry, as part of a potential agreement. Concerns of a potential conflict have led several countries to advise their citizens to leave Iran. President Trump’s administration has reinforced military presence in the region, but Iran remains steadfast in its stance. Recent student protests in Iranian universities have sparked clashes for a second consecutive day, as tensions persist in the region.