US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing that Khamenei should feel concerned as the United States is strengthening its military presence in the region. In an interview with NBC News, Trump emphasized that Khamenei should indeed be worried, especially given the ongoing negotiations between the two nations.
Recent reports from Axios suggested that planned talks between the US and Iran were facing challenges, with US officials resisting changes to the meeting location or format. Trump’s deployment of a US aircraft carrier to the area and his openness to further military actions following previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during Israel’s conflict with Iran have added to the tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that nuclear discussions were set to take place in Muscat, with the assistance of Omani authorities. However, there are uncertainties regarding the agenda, as Iran aims to focus solely on its nuclear dispute with Western nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed readiness for talks with Iran, but highlighted the need to address a broader range of issues, including Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for regional armed groups, human rights violations, and nuclear concerns.
In a separate development, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly seized two oil tankers and their foreign crews in Gulf waters on charges of fuel smuggling. Additionally, Iranian authorities disclosed the arrest of a foreign individual in possession of a shipment containing various weapons and riot gear upon entry into the country. The seized items included stun guns, batons, knives, and weapon accessories.