Iran warns neighbors against supporting US military action over nuclear program

Iran has issued stern warnings to neighboring countries hosting U.S. military bases that they could face retaliation if they support potential American strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran has rejected direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump but remains open to continuing indirect negotiations through Oman, a longstanding diplomatic channel between the two adversaries.

“Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington’s seriousness about a political solution with Iran,” the official said, adding that while such a path could be “rocky,” negotiations could begin soon if U.S. messaging supports it.

The Iranian government has formally notified Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain that any assistance to a U.S. attack on Iran—including allowing use of their airspace or territory—would be considered “an act of hostility” with “severe consequences,” according to the official.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly placed Iran’s armed forces on high alert amid escalating tensions.

Regional concerns mount

Trump’s recent military threats have heightened anxieties across a region already destabilized by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, military operations in Yemen, leadership changes in Syria, and direct exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran.

The prospect of wider regional conflict has particularly unsettled Gulf states, which border Iran and include several U.S.-allied monarchies. The Gulf serves as a critical corridor for global oil supplies.

Kuwait has reportedly reassured Iran that it would not permit aggressive actions against other countries from its territory, according to Iranian state media. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated it was unaware of any formal warning but acknowledged such messages could be conveyed through other channels.

Russia, an Iranian ally, has condemned U.S. threats of military strikes as “unacceptable” and called for restraint. However, a second Iranian official expressed skepticism about Moscow’s commitment, suggesting it would depend on the relationship dynamics between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Nuclear diplomacy window

Despite escalating tensions, Trump has indicated he would prefer a diplomatic solution over military action. On March 7, he reportedly wrote to Khamenei suggesting talks.

According to the first Iranian official, initial indirect negotiations could involve Omani mediators shuttling between U.S. and Iranian delegations. Khamenei has authorized Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi or his deputy, Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, to participate in any talks in Muscat.

The official believes there is approximately a two-month window to reach an agreement, citing concerns that Israel might launch its own attack if talks extend longer. Another concern is the potential “snap back” of international sanctions intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran’s nuclear enrichment acceleration

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons. However, the U.N. nuclear watchdog has warned that the country is “dramatically” accelerating uranium enrichment to up to 60% purity—close to the roughly 90% weapons-grade level.

Western nations maintain there is no civilian justification for enriching uranium to such high levels, noting that no other country has done so without producing nuclear weapons.

While Iran has indicated willingness to address concerns about its nuclear program through discussions, it has rejected direct negotiations under threat and declared its missile program off-limits.