Key Takeaways:

• Iran has threatened to expel International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors amid rising military threats from the U.S. and Israel.
• U.S. officials warned that such a move would signify a serious escalation in nuclear tensions.
• Upcoming talks in Oman are presented by Washington as a last chance for diplomatic resolution regarding Iran's nuclear program.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's senior advisor, Ali Shamkhani, signaled that Tehran may expel inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and suspend collaboration if military threats from the U.S. and Israel persist. Newsweek reports that Shamkhani's comments come just ahead of crucial talks with U.S. officials scheduled for this weekend.

The U.S. State Department cautioned that such actions would undermine Iran's claims of pursuing a peaceful nuclear program, labeling the potential expulsion of IAEA inspectors as a “miscalculation”. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that this could lead to significant misinterpretations of Iran's intentions and a further deterioration of diplomatic ties. Reports indicate that the U.S. is concerned that confirmation of such threats may exacerbate existing tensions.

Shamkhani noted that continued threats could compel Iran to transfer enriched nuclear materials to unspecified, secure locations within the country, raising alarm over the implications for nuclear non-proliferation efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that if talks failed, military action against Iran remains a possibility, emphasizing that Israel would play a significant role in any potential operations.

The upcoming talks, described by the U.S. as a last chance for a peaceful resolution to nuclear concerns, feature American envoy Steve Witkoff meeting with Iranian officials in Oman. Previous negotiations had cooled following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.

As international tensions rise, analysts are closely monitoring these developments, which could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and nuclear security.