As reports suggest a possible resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran, the ayatollah regime is escalating its rhetoric. Iran’s vice president warned: “We will stand against any aggression to the last drop of blood.”
According to The New York Times, in the early days of the war, Israel and the US developed joint plans to identify a pragmatic figure who could take control of the government in Tehran. Ahmadinejad himself was involved in the plan, but it went awry after a strike meant to eliminate his guards also hit him.
The Revolutionary Guards sent a message indicating possible flexibility on the nuclear issue. Trump decided to consult with leaders of countries in the region, with some believing that negotiations were pointless and that Iran was playing for time. They presented him with the timetable Iran had dragged out repeatedly, as well as the fact that it continues to attack the UAE.
Amid growing tensions over the possible resumption of the war, Iran is holding mass ceremonies to boost morale. Crowds in the streets are being urged to promote the culture of martyrdom and "avenge the death of the leader."
The New York Times reports that Iran is preparing for a "short and intense" campaign, which would include launching dozens to hundreds of missiles a day at energy facilities in the Gulf. If the Iranian regime feels that its control of Hormuz is in danger, it could order the Houthis to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
US President Donald Trump said in a dramatic post about his decision to suspend the renewed attack on the Islamic Republic that he had instructed the military to be ready to launch an attack immediately "in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the limited cabinet, with the discussion focused on what appears to be another possible round of fighting with Iran. Trump: The Iranians "want to make a deal more than ever."
In the face of President Donald Trump's threats, Iran is hardening its position and taking the issue of nuclear enrichment off the negotiating table. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said: "We do not fear the enemy's threats. We believe in what we have and are preparing plans for confrontation."
An American source tells Al Jazeera that Tehran has days – not weeks – to break the diplomatic deadlock, as the US and Israel step up preparations for a renewed strike.
Authorities reported damage to a transformer station outside the power plant. There were no casualties in the strike, and no damage was reported to the functioning of the power plant, which is operated by South Korea.
