The US administration is expected to respond to Iran's request to enter negotiations by presenting a series of preconditions. These are set to include an immediate end to the use of live fire to suppress protests and the release of those detained, readiness to hand over enriched uranium, and the termination of the long-range missile project and its support for terrorist organizations under its patronage.
A diplomatic source who outlined the demands told Israel Hayom that the Iranian request was conveyed both by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to US envoy Steve Witkoff and through Oman, which mediated the previous round of talks. According to the source, discussions within the US administration are now focused on how to intervene in developments inside Iran, not on whether to intervene. The range of options is broad, with the initial steps expected to be economic. These would include far more sweeping sanctions and an effort to almost completely shut down Iran's oil exports and its imports of refined fuel.
According to a US source, a decision on the nature of the response is expected within 48 hours, meaning by Tuesday, following consultations and an assessment of the potential consequences of each course of action.
Another diplomatic source told Israel Hayom that the regime is fighting for its survival and is expected to intensify its measures against the protesters. "There are already thousands of civilian deaths and thousands more detainees, but the protests are not stopping," the source claimed. The source added that while the threat to the regime is tangible, its collapse is not expected within days.
The source also said that senior figures in the regime are already exploring options for political asylum in friendly countries such as Russia and even Qatar. "In any case, this will not be the same regime as two weeks ago. Even if it survives, it will be weakened, and the sanctions expected to be imposed on it will reduce its ability to operate, both domestically in Iran and in its ties with the terrorist organizations it supports."
