Key Points:

• Iran warns of pursuing nuclear weapons if attacked by the U.S. or its allies.
• U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military action have heightened tensions.
• Iranian officials emphasize that international negotiations remain possible.

In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Iran has issued a warning stating that it would have "no choice" but to seek nuclear weapons if attacked by the United States or its allies. This declaration follows a series of threats made by U.S. President Trump, who suggested military action against Tehran if negotiations do not yield results. In an interview with NBC, Trump claimed that if Iran fails to agree to a new nuclear deal, "there will be bombing—the likes of which they have never seen before."

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed Trump's threats, warning that any act of aggression would be met with a "strong blow." Iranian officials, including senior adviser Ali Larijani, have reiterated that Iran does not desire nuclear weapons but would feel compelled to develop them under military pressure. Larijani stated, "We are not moving towards (nuclear) weapons, but if something goes wrong...you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself," according to a report from SCMP.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the military option is non-existent, highlighting Iran's commitment to peace. "There is—by definition—no such thing as a 'military option' let alone a 'military solution,'" Araghchi stated to Newsweek. His comments reflect Iran's frustration and its inclination toward maintaining diplomatic channels, even amidst pressure and threats.

Internationally, reactions are also intensifying. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that any military strike on Iran's nuclear sites would have "catastrophic" consequences and urged for negotiations over threats. He stated, "We consider such methods inappropriate, we condemn them," and underscored the importance of reaching an agreement before the situation escalates further.

As the situation develops, the imposition of sanctions has continued, aiming to weaken Iran's economy and restrict its nuclear program. However, Iran has maintained that its nuclear advancements are for peaceful purposes only. Earlier reports indicated that Iran's uranium enrichment has reached levels nearing weapons-grade, escalating concerns about its nuclear ambitions across the region.

The ongoing tensions pose a significant challenge for U.S. foreign policy, as leaders on both sides seem caught in a cycle of aggressive posturing. The uncertainty surrounding future diplomatic engagements hangs in the balance as both nations prepare for potential conflict.

For more details, read the original reports from Newsweek and Independent.