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Iran warns of unused advanced weapons amid rising tensions with US

Iran warns

TEHRAN: Iran has issued a strong warning following threats of possible military action from the United States, claiming it possesses advanced weapons that have not yet been used on the battlefield.

According to a Russian news agency report, an Iranian military source said the country has locally developed sophisticated defensive and offensive weapon systems that have neither been deployed nor tested in combat situations so far.

The source warned that Iran would not show restraint if the United States launches another attack, adding that Tehran is fully prepared for any potential escalation.

Iranian officials also reportedly stated that the country faces no shortage of military equipment or defense capabilities and remains fully capable of defending itself against external threats.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump recently renewed threats of military action against Iran, saying Washington could take strong measures if negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, American and Western officials have continued to express concern over Iran’s missile capabilities and broader military program, while Iran insists its defense activities are solely intended to safeguard national security.

Analysts warn that growing tensions between Iran and the United States could trigger a fresh crisis in the Middle East, particularly raising global concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.

Trump issues stark warning to Iran over nuclear talks

Trump issues

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran will either be forced into a deal or face severe consequences, warning of potential military and maritime action if negotiations fail.

Addressing a Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony, Trump said that the United States had previously been weakened under the Biden administration, but claimed that Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy and air force, had been significantly diminished.

He said Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and claimed Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington.

“If there is no deal, we will carry out strong strikes,” Trump said, adding that the United States could impose a maritime blockade under a plan he referred to as the “Steel Wall,” which he said would be impossible to break.

Trump further warned that the United States could seize additional Iranian oil tankers if an agreement is not reached, saying the situation would depend on whether Iran chooses to sign a deal or face escalation.

Serious efforts underway to finalize Iran-US draft agreement, Arab media reports

Serious efforts

ISLAMABAD: Intensive diplomatic efforts are underway to finalize a draft agreement between Iran and the United States, with an announcement on the completion of the final text possible in the coming days, according to Arab media reports.

The reports said a senior Pakistani official could travel to Iran on Thursday, and the visit may coincide with an announcement that the draft agreement has been completed.

Arab media also reported that the next round of negotiations is expected to be held in Islamabad after the Hajj season.

The developments come as Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made his second trip to Tehran within 24 hours, where he held meetings with Iranian leaders on the ongoing Iran-U.S. dialogue.

During a previous visit to Tehran, Naqvi met President Masoud Pezeshkian, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral ties and regional diplomacy.

After returning from Iran, Naqvi traveled directly to Balochistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir were also present.

Neither Tehran nor Washington has officially confirmed the reported timeline for finalizing the agreement.

Trump reveals US prepared to strike Iran before last-minute pause

Trump reveals

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said that the United States was just one hour away from launching a military strike against Iran before the operation was halted to allow time for ongoing negotiations.

Speaking during a visit to a ballroom construction site, Trump said U.S. naval forces had completed preparations and were ready to begin the attack when he received a call requesting a short delay because an agreement with Iran appeared close.

Trump said Iran had caused instability across the Middle East for decades and reiterated that the United States would not allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons.

He said Iran was eager to reach a deal and had returned to the negotiating table. According to Trump, the U.S. would wait only two or three more days before deciding whether further action was necessary.

The president warned that larger strikes could still be carried out if talks fail, but said he hoped diplomacy would prevent the need for military action.

Trump also claimed that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, it would pose a direct threat to Israel and the broader region.

He said leaders in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar had expressed optimism that negotiations with Iran would produce positive results.

Trump added that Xi Jinping had assured him that China was not supplying weapons to Iran.

Iran praises Pakistan’s role in regional peace talks

Iran praises

TEHRAN: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during his visit to Iran, Iranian media reported.

According to Iranian media, the two leaders discussed Pakistan–Iran relations and the prospects for the resumption of peace talks during their meeting.

They also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and the evolving situation in the region.

The Iranian interior minister praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

He also appreciated the efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in helping resolve tensions with the United States, Iranian media added.

German Chancellor urges Iran to resume talks immediately

German Chancellor

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Iran must return to the negotiating table and cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

According to the German chancellor, he held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump during which both leaders agreed on the need to resume diplomatic talks with Tehran.

Merz said Iran should also reopen the Strait of Hormuz to help reduce regional tensions and ensure the stability of global trade routes.

He added that the discussion with President Trump took place during his return from China and focused on the Middle East situation, Iran’s nuclear program, and broader regional security concerns.

Trump credits Pakistan for role in Iran ceasefire decision

Trump credits

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that the United States agreed to a ceasefire with Iran following requests from several countries, including Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters after returning from a visit to China, Trump said the decision to pause hostilities was taken on the appeal of multiple nations. He added that Washington could consider future military action against Iran if required.

Trump claimed that the US had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, adding that after a month-long ceasefire, “some rebuilding may have taken place,” suggesting the possibility of renewed operations.

He said he personally did not support the ceasefire but agreed due to diplomatic pressure from other countries, particularly Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Iran dismissed the remarks as “psychological warfare,” insisting that its defensive capabilities remain intact and warning of a decisive response in case of any renewed attacks.

According to media reports, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar have recently engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Iran accuses UAE of direct involvement in anti-Iran activities: FM Araghchi

Iran accuses

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United Arab Emirates of being directly involved in anti-Iran activities, urging Abu Dhabi to review its regional policy.

Addressing a BRICS forum, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran deliberately avoided naming the UAE for the sake of unity, but claimed that when attacks against Iran began, the UAE did not even issue a condemnation.

He further said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had visited the UAE during the Iran conflict and met with the Emirati president, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Araghchi called for an end to what he described as “US bullying,” saying it should be consigned to the “dustbin of history.” He stressed that resistance against US pressure was not a new war but a long-standing reality faced by several nations in different forms.

He added that the time had come for countries to move forward collectively, saying that such coercive practices deserved to be discarded by history. He noted that nations are now closer than ever and cannot ignore what he described as a shared and dangerous challenge.

Araghchi also stated that declining powers may go to any extent to delay their downfall.

Meanwhile, the UAE has denied reports regarding a visit by the Israeli prime minister during the Iran conflict, rejecting claims of such a meeting with the Emirati president.

Iran preserves 70% of missile strength despite US strikes: report

Iran preserves

WASHINGTON: The New York Times has reported that classified assessments by US intelligence agencies indicate Iran has preserved much of its missile capability despite recent American strikes.

According to the report, the findings contradict claims by the administration of US President Donald Trump that US attacks had severely degraded Iran’s military strength.

The report states that Iran has regained access to 30 of its 33 missile bases located near the Strait of Hormuz, potentially restoring threats to US naval vessels and oil tankers transiting the vital shipping route.

Despite damage to some facilities, intelligence sources said Iran retains the ability to move missiles using mobile launchers, while certain bases remain capable of launching missiles directly. Only three missile bases are believed to be fully inoperable.

US intelligence assessments further suggest that Iran still possesses around 70 percent of its pre-war mobile missile launchers and missile stockpiles, including both ballistic and cruise missiles.

Based on satellite imagery and other surveillance data, analysts estimate that Iran has also regained access to nearly 90 percent of its underground missile storage sites and launch facilities, many of which remain partially or fully operational.

The report indicates that US officials may have overestimated the damage inflicted on Iran’s missile infrastructure and underestimated Tehran’s ability to restore and redeploy strategic assets quickly.

Mandana Karimi announces decision to leave India and return to Iran

Mandana Karimi

Famous Actress Mandana Karimi has announced that she is leaving India and returning to Iran after living in the country for 16 years.

The actress, who rose to fame after appearing in Bigg Boss 9, said she made the decision following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

In a statement shared on her Instagram account, Mandana claimed that she lost many friends after participating in a protest in Mumbai and said she felt deeply disappointed.

Responding to a fan on social media who asked whether she was leaving Mumbai and whether she would miss it, the actress posted a video from the airport and said she never imagined she would have to leave India in this way.

“Goodbye, India,” she said in the recorded message.

Mandana Karimi described the decision as emotionally difficult, noting that she had spent 16 years building her life in India.

However, she said she felt unsupported by many of her friends during the recent developments involving Iran and admitted that she had never felt as lonely in Mumbai as she had over the past two months.

She added that while India had been home to her for many years, she now believes it is time to move forward.