Talks between Iran and the United States have stalled after two rounds failed to resolve disputes over uranium enrichment, missiles and sanctions relief.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Iran and the United States are moving closer to military confrontation as diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear program stall and Washington expands its military presence in the Middle East, according to officials and diplomats cited by Reuters.
Officials from Iran, the United States, Gulf countries, Europe and Israel told Reuters that expectations for a negotiated settlement are fading, with regional actors now viewing conflict as more likely than compromise.
Israeli officials said they believe the gaps between Washington and Tehran are unbridgeable and that the likelihood of near-term escalation is high.
One source familiar with Israeli planning said Israel is preparing for potential joint military action with the United States, though no decision has been made.
The buildup would mark the second time the United States and Israel have attacked Iran in less than a year, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities last June.
Regional officials said oil-producing Gulf states are making contingency plans for a confrontation they fear could spiral and destabilize the region, as rising tensions push oil prices higher.
Talks between Iran and the United States have stalled after two rounds failed to resolve disputes over uranium enrichment, missiles and sanctions relief.
A source familiar with the negotiations said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declined to open and returned a US proposal on missiles delivered by Omani mediators.
After talks in Geneva on Tuesday, Araqchi said the sides had agreed on “guiding principles,” while the White House said significant differences remained.
A US official said Iran is expected to submit a written proposal soon, and Araqchi said Friday he anticipated a draft counterproposal within days.
President Donald Trump has warned Iran it must reach a deal or face consequences, saying on Thursday that “really bad things” would happen otherwise.
He appeared to set a 10-15 day window, prompting threats from Tehran to retaliate against US bases if attacked. Trump later said he was weighing limited military action, telling reporters, “I guess I can say I am considering that.”
US officials said Trump has not yet decided on the use of force. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28, and a senior US official said it would be mid-March before all US forces are fully in place.
Former US diplomat Alan Eyre told Reuters that progress is unlikely unless both sides retreat from entrenched positions, warning that “if he attacks, it’s going to get ugly quickly.”