Iran threatened to target U.S. bases in the Middle East in the event of a conflict, as preparations were underway for a new round of nuclear talks.
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Naserzadeh responded to U.S. threats of military action if negotiations fail, saying, "We hope the negotiations reach a conclusion, but if that does not happen and we are forced into a conflict, there is no doubt that the other side’s losses will certainly be much greater than ours."
He added, "We have the capability to reach all U.S. bases, and we will target them all without hesitation in the host countries," stating that "in this case, America will be forced to leave the region."
The United States has several military bases in countries neighboring Iran, with the largest one in Qatar, where the headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is located.
Iran and the U.S., which severed diplomatic relations more than four decades ago, have held five rounds of negotiations since April, mediated by Oman>
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement Tuesday that "the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place next Sunday in Muscat, the capital of Oman."
No comment has yet been issued by Oman, which hosted previous rounds of negotiations, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the talks might be held on Thursday.
In an interview with the New York Post published Wednesday, Trump said he is "less confident about reaching an agreement" with Iran regarding the nuclear issue.
Trump, who has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if diplomacy fails, added, "It seems they are stalling."
Both sides are seeking to reach a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear program instead of the 2015 deal, which the United States withdrew from. Washington and Western parties want to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, which Tehran vehemently denies, demanding in return the lifting of sanctions that cripple its economy.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is the only non-nuclear state enriching uranium at a high level 60%—far exceeding the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 agreement between Tehran and major world powers.
The five rounds of negotiations were the highest level of contact between the two countries since Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 agreement during his first term, reimposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, Germany, France, Britain, and the United States submitted a resolution against Iran to the IAEA’s Board of Governors, diplomatic sources reported on Tuesday.