Written by: Fatima Younes
Intensive diplomatic efforts continue to spare the region a new round of escalation between the United States and Iran, at a time when military threats are escalating and Tehran is preparing for a potential confrontation.
Qatari diplomatic efforts and Iranian warnings
The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed that efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides are still ongoing, as both sides review the submitted proposals and express commitment to the negotiation path, noting a very high level of coordination between regional leaders to reach a solution and avoid the woes of escalation.
Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf emphasized that the ball is in Washington's court to avoid war, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that indirect negotiations are being held with the United States in light of the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation.
American threats to bomb the Fordow facility
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States might have to strike the Jabal al-Fas (Fordow) site, considering it not a major matter and saying that its accomplishment is possible within one hour. The site includes a fortified tunnel complex at a great depth underground, about two kilometers south of the Natanz nuclear facility.
The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that following the announcement of the results of the U.S. Congressional elections, it will be possible to set a date to resume the war on Iran.
Strikes on Qeshm Island and military reactions
The United States carried out limited strikes targeting the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Nia warned that any new American aggression will be met with a response more severe and wider in scope than before, emphasizing that the geography of any upcoming confrontation will not be limited to West Asia, and that American facilities, equipment, troops, and interests may become targets anywhere Tehran can reach.
Iranian civilian preparations for a nuclear confrontation
Iranian authorities opened a new training facility in Tehran to prepare civilian volunteers for any potential threats. Iranian television broadcast instructions to citizens regarding the procedures to be taken in the event of a nuclear strike, amid escalating speculation about the possibility of the United States launching a strike on Iran.
