Khaberni - The intensity of political and military rhetoric between Washington and Tehran is escalating, in parallel with increasing field and political indicators that suggest the region is approaching a highly sensitive phase, where public warnings intersect with military movements, in a scene that raises serious questions about the possibilities of sliding into a broad confrontation. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Higseth said during a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House that the United States will be ready to do what the President asks. He added that Trump's confirmation that Iran would not possess a nuclear weapon was a literal expression of an unequivocal stance. On the other hand, Higseth indicated that Tehran has all the options to strike a deal.
In the same context, Israeli "Channel 12" reported from an informed source that the head of the Israeli military intelligence has arrived in Washington to coordinate a potential strike against Iran, noting that there are currently no serious diplomatic negotiations with Tehran.
The source explained that Israel is coordinating with Washington different attack scenarios on Iran and their expected repercussions.
Iran warns against committing "folly" in the face of these threats, the spokesman for the Iranian army said that his country would respond immediately in case of any miscalculation or military action undertaken, warning of the consequences of what he described as the potential folly.
Simultaneously, ISNA agency reported from the First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, saying that "Iran must prepare for war," while affirming that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not start wars but will defend itself strongly if imposed upon.
Aref indicated that Iran is still ready to negotiate with the United States, but this time with the need for clear guarantees.
American reinforcements and Israeli assessments increased Iranian expectations of a possible military strike, especially after Trump announced that American warships were on their way to waters near the country.
On the ground, "Washington Post" reported today from an American official that American warships are positioned near the Strait of Hormuz and the Eastern Mediterranean, with additional reinforcements arriving subsequently, noting that the destroyer Dilbert D. Black has arrived in the region and is currently in the Red Sea.
In Tel Aviv, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported from a source that senior army leaders conducted a security assessment in light of developments related to the Iranian arena, pointing out that Washington is pushing military reinforcements to the region and does not intend to maintain the status quo.
As well as, the Israeli security establishment discussed providing early and sufficient warning in case Iran attacked Israel, at a time when an American warship is preparing to dock in the Gulf of Eilat in anticipation of an expected attack on Iran.
Shelters and preparations in Tehran are increasing alongside the escalation of political and military tensions, as the Mayor of Tehran, Ali Reza Zakani, announced on Thursday that metro stations and underground parking lots across the capital are being converted into shelters, amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel, according to Open Source Intelligence Monitor.
This comes after a report published by "Iran International" last week, stating that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has moved to a fortified underground shelter in Tehran.
Militarily, the Tasnim agency reported that the Iranian army has distributed a thousand new drones to various branches, in direct response to what it described as security threats.
The commander of the Iranian army, Major General Amir Hatami, confirmed that the army would respond "decisively" to any potential strike, adding: "Maintaining and enhancing strategic advantages for rapid combat and decisive response to any invasion or aggressor remains a perpetual item on the military establishment’s agenda, amid existing threats."
In the same context, Iran announced its intention to conduct a live ammunition naval maneuver in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important vital passages for oil transport in the world, according to the Associated Press.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a press conference at the organization's headquarters in New York, warned of the serious repercussions of any escalation, confirming the United Nations' condemnation of the brutal repression witnessed in Iran, and expressing concern about the ongoing discussions.
Meanwhile, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Iranian President Masoud Bazshkyan discussed the current situation and efforts to de-escalate in the region over the phone, according to the Qatar News Agency "QNA" on Thursday, at a time when Tehran confirms its readiness for war in the face of American threats of military intervention.
The "QNA" statement reported that "the call discussed the latest developments on both the regional and international scenes, especially the current situation, and the efforts made to reduce escalation and establish stability," and that both sides confirmed "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional issues."
