Kiran Sharma

  “The U.S. is inches away from a nuclear deal that lets inspectors ‘blow up’ Iranian labs — but Tehran’s red lines could derail everything. Here’s why Israel is on edge.” The U.S. and Iran are closer than ever to a breakthrough nuclear agreement, with sources revealing a deal could be finalized in the next round of talks. Mediators, led by Omani diplomats, have bridged critical gaps, including a controversial U.S. demand for intrusive inspections. President Trump’s vision — allowing inspectors to dismantle Iranian nuclear sites unilaterally — has stunned observers, but Tehran’s refusal to accept “zero enrichment” threatens to collapse negotiations. Behind the scenes, tensions with Israel loom large. Trump confirmed he warned Prime Minister Netanyahu against striking Iranian facilities, calling it “inappropriate” while diplomacy is “very close to a solution.” Yet Netanyahu’s office dismissed reports of strike plans as “fake news,” even as U.S. intelligence suggests Israel is prepar...

  Iran has signaled a surprising willingness to compromise with the Trump administration on its nuclear program — but with one major condition. In a rare moment of diplomatic openness, Tehran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, told CNN that while Iran is ready to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful, uranium enrichment is completely off the table. This revelation comes just days after the fifth round of U.S.-Iran talks in Rome, hinting at a potential thaw in one of the world’s most tense standoffs. Baghaei’s comments suggest that Washington may already understand Iran’s red lines. “If the intention is to make sure that Iran’s nuclear program would not be weaponized, I think that’s something that we could simply do,” he said. However, he warned that any attempt to strip Iran of its right to peaceful nuclear energy would “challenge the whole process.” This delicate balance — between preventing weaponization and allowing civilian nuclear development — could be the...

  As the fifth round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran convenes in Rome, the stakes have never been higher.  The talks, mediated by Oman, aim to bridge the widening chasm over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. While Washington demands a complete cessation of enrichment, Tehran remains steadfast in asserting its right to continue, citing its membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) . Iran’s uranium enrichment has escalated to 60%, significantly surpassing the 3.67% limit established by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) . This advancement has alarmed Western nations, as enrichment at this level brings Iran closer to weapons-grade material. Despite international concerns, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and continues to operate under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The U.S. delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, has presented a firm stanc...

  As Iran and the United States stand at a critical juncture in nuclear negotiations, the absence of a clear contingency plan from Tehran raises concerns about the future of Middle Eastern stability. The ongoing talks have been marred by mutual distrust and conflicting demands, particularly over uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief. Iran’s steadfast commitment to its nuclear program, juxtaposed with the U.S.’s insistence on stringent limitations, has led to a diplomatic impasse with potentially far-reaching consequences. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has categorically dismissed U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment, labeling them as “excessive and outrageous.” This unwavering stance underscores Tehran’s view of its nuclear program as a sovereign right and a symbol of national pride. Despite international concerns, Iran has escalated its enrichment activities, reaching levels close to weapons-grade, thereby intensifying global apprehensions about its nuc...

  The decades-long nuclear standoff between Iran and the US has reached another boiling point, with  Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissing American demands to halt uranium enrichment as “nonsense.”  In a fiery speech reported by Mehr News Agency, Khamenei made it clear that Tehran would not bow to external pressure, declaring, “No one [in Iran] is waiting for others’ permission.” His defiant stance casts further doubt on already fragile negotiations, leaving the world wondering if diplomacy can still prevail — or if tensions will spiral out of control. Since April, the US and Iran have engaged in four rounds of Omani-mediated talks, with Washington pushing for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Khamenei’s latest remarks suggest deep skepticism about the process, as he admitted he wasn’t sure if talks would “bring results.” This uncertainty looms large over the next expected round of negotiations, which Reute...

  Iran , considered to be the most affected by the recent regional developments following the regime change in Syria and Israel’s attacks targeting its territories, is offering a new approach of cooperation and unity to the countries in its near neighborhood amid prospects for a compromise with the West over its nuclear activities. Senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi as well as former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, reassured Iran’s readiness to start a new episode in ties with the regional countries and beyond, based on cooperation, economic development and mutual interests in their statements during the two-day Tehran Dialogue Forum held in the Iranian capital on May 18 and 19. The annual forum brought around 250 guests from dozens of countries for a comprehensive debate over  global  and regional matters with the participation of foreign ministers, senior diplomats, academics and decision-makers. Last year’s ...

  Just as Iran and the US edge closer to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, Washington’s latest sanctions have sparked fury in Tehran — raising questions about whether diplomacy can survive the escalating tension. The US State Department’s decision to impose fresh sanctions on three Iranian individuals and a company, Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, has drawn sharp condemnation from Iran. The targeted entities were accused of involvement in dual-use research linked to nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently denies. These sanctions freeze any US-based assets and bar American businesses from dealing with them, further straining an already fragile diplomatic process. The timing couldn’t be worse — coming just a day after the fourth round of indirect talks between the two adversaries, mediated by Oman. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi didn’t mince words, calling the US move “unjust” and “contradictory.” He argued that Washington’s actions undermine trust at a cr...

  Deep beneath Iran’s mountains lies a hidden military force — one that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East. Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new underground drone base, showcasing an advanced unmanned warfare system designed to evade radar and monitor U.S. naval movements. A recently released video reveals the facility’s sprawling layout, missile platforms, and cutting-edge UAVs, signaling Tehran’s intent to protect its assets from potential airstrikes by the U.S. or Israel. This move comes amid escalating tensions, as both nations have repeatedly threatened military action against Iran’s nuclear program. The underground base is not just a defensive measure — it’s a statement. IRGC Major General Hossein Salami declared that the facility represents only a fraction of Iran’s drone capabilities, hinting at even greater undisclosed military infrastructure. The base’s subterranean design ensures survivability against bombings, while its integr...

  The U.S. and Iran are gearing up for a fourth round of high-stakes nuclear talks this Sunday in Oman, as tensions simmer and the threat of conflict looms.  According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, an unnamed Iranian delegation member confirmed the meeting, signaling a critical juncture in the protracted negotiations. With both sides locked in a dangerous stalemate, the world watches closely — will these talks break the deadlock, or push the two nations closer to the brink? The upcoming discussions, facilitated by Oman, will reportedly include both direct and indirect negotiations, mirroring previous formats. A source familiar with the talks revealed to  Al Arabiya English  that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to attend, underscoring Washington’s cautious but persistent engagement. The fact that these talks are happening at all suggests neither side is ready to walk away — yet. But with so much at stake, including regional stability and glo...

  The Trump administration has just escalated its economic war against Iran, imposing fresh sanctions on key players in Tehran’s oil trade — a move that could send shockwaves through global energy markets.  By targeting Chinese refineries and Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” the U.S. aims to choke off Tehran’s oil revenue, forcing it back to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. But with Iran already relying on covert networks to sell its crude, will these sanctions actually work — or will they backfire, destabilizing oil markets and pushing prices higher? At the heart of this crackdown is China, Iran’s biggest oil customer. The Treasury Department has sanctioned Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group and several port operators in Shandong province for facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian oil purchases. These “teapot” refineries — small, independent plants — have become lifelines for Iran’s economy, absorbing the majority of its crude exports. By cutting off ...

  As India and Pakistan teeter on the brink of another dangerous confrontation, Iran’s Foreign Minister has swooped in with an urgent diplomatic mission. But can Tehran really mediate between these nuclear-armed rivals? The sudden arrival of Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad has raised eyebrows across the geopolitical landscape. His one-day whirlwind visit comes at a critical moment — just days after the devastating Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which left 26 dead, mostly tourists. With tensions between India and Pakistan reaching a boiling point, Araghchi’s mission appears to be more than just routine diplomacy. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has hinted at discussions on “regional and global developments,” but the unspoken priority is clear: preventing another full-blown crisis in South Asia. Iran’s unique position as a neighbor to both India and Pakistan gives it rare leverage. The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, explicitly s...

  Iran has just unveiled its latest ballistic missile, the upgraded  Martyr Hajj Qassem , boasting a terrifying 1,200 km range — enough to strike U.S. bases across the Persian Gulf.  The missile, reportedly equipped with advanced maneuvering capabilities and an electronic warfare-resistant navigation system, is designed to “penetrate air defenses” with precision. But as tensions with Israel escalate, experts are questioning whether this new weapon is a genuine threat or just another piece of Tehran’s psychological warfare strategy. The timing of the missile’s reveal is no coincidence — it came just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran and its Houthi proxies in Yemen. Following a suspected Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu accused Iran of pulling the strings, vowing to deliver a “proper warning” to Tehran. The new missile, analysts say, is Iran’s way of flexing its muscles, signaling that any I...

  The Middle East stands on the brink of a dangerous escalation after a Houthi missile strike targeted Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sending shockwaves through the country.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasted no time in pointing the finger at Iran, vowing a fierce retaliation that could ignite a wider regional war. The attack, which injured several people and disrupted air travel, marks one of the most brazen assaults on Israeli soil in recent years. With tensions already at a boiling point over the Gaza war, this latest provocation may push the region into uncharted territory. Netanyahu’s fiery response on social media left little room for ambiguity: Israel will strike back not just at the Houthis but also at their Iranian backers. The Houthi military claimed responsibility, boasting of using a hypersonic missile — a worrying development that suggests their capabilities are growing. Meanwhile, Iran’s defense minister issued a chilling warning, threatening to targ...