Iran is pursuing indirect talks with the U.S. and warns neighboring nations about possible military actions against it

Iran is resisting U.S. demands for direct negotiations regarding its nuclear program, warning neighboring countries that host U.S. military bases that they could be targeted if they become involved, according to a senior Iranian official. While Iran has dismissed President Donald Trump‘s request for direct talks, it is open to continuing indirect discussions through Oman, a long-established communication channel between the two nations, the official, who spoke to Reuters anonymously, stated.

“Indirect negotiations provide an opportunity to assess Washington’s commitment to finding a political resolution with Iran,” the official noted. Although this approach may be challenging, such discussions could commence soon if U.S. communications are favorable, the official added.

Iran has informed Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain that any support for a U.S. strike on Iran, including allowing U.S. military access to their airspace or territory during an attack, would be viewed as an act of aggression. The official warned that such actions “will have severe consequences for them,” and mentioned that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has placed Iran’s military on high alert.

Trump’s threats of military action against Iran have heightened tensions in the region, which is already on edge due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, military operations in Yemen, leadership changes in Syria, and exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran. Concerns about a broader regional conflict have alarmed Gulf states, which are situated on one side of the Gulf—a vital waterway bordered by Iran and U.S.-aligned Arab monarchies that transport a significant portion of the world’s oil supply.

Spokespersons for the governments of Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain did not provide immediate responses to requests for comments. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated it was unaware of any warning but acknowledged that such communications could be relayed through alternative channels.

On Wednesday, Iranian state media reported that Kuwait had assured Iran it would not permit any hostile actions against other nations to originate from its territory.

Russia, an ally of Iran, declared on Thursday that the U.S. threats of military action against the Islamic Republic were unacceptable and called for restraint the following day. An Iranian official noted that while Iran seeks to strengthen its ties with Russia, there is skepticism regarding Moscow’s dedication to its ally, which he stated is influenced by the evolving relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

TWO-MONTH WINDOW

Trump has expressed a preference for negotiating a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear program rather than engaging in military conflict, mentioning on March 7 that he had reached out to Khamenei to propose discussions.

The first Iranian official indicated that initial indirect talks could involve Omani mediators facilitating communication between the Iranian and U.S. delegations. Khamenei has authorized Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi or his deputy, Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, to participate in any discussions held in Muscat.

Oman’s government spokesperson did not respond immediately to a request for comment. However, the official believed there is a two-month timeframe to reach an agreement, citing concerns that Israel, Iran’s long-standing adversary, might initiate its own attack if negotiations are prolonged, potentially leading to a “snap back” of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran has consistently denied any intentions to develop nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, the U.N. nuclear watchdog has reported that the country is “dramatically” increasing its uranium enrichment to levels as high as 60% purity, which is nearing the approximately 90% threshold considered suitable for weapons-grade material.

Western nations argue that there is no justification for enriching uranium to such elevated levels for any civilian purposes, noting that no other nation has pursued such high enrichment without subsequently developing nuclear arms.

While Iran has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the U.S. to alleviate concerns regarding its nuclear program, it has firmly rejected direct negotiations while the U.S. issues threats, asserting that its missile program is not open for discussion.

A high-ranking commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Alireza Hajizadeh, suggested on Monday that U.S. military installations in the region could be targeted in the event of a conflict.

In 2020, Iran launched attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the IRGC’s Quds Force, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.