• Iran plans to present a counterproposal in upcoming nuclear talks with the US.
• Both nations remain at odds over uranium enrichment, a critical sticking point.
• President Trump expresses growing doubts regarding the potential for a successful deal.
• Iran warns it will target US military bases if conflict erupts.
• The sixth round of talks is set to take place on Sunday in Oman.

As tensions escalate, Iran has announced it will soon present a counterproposal to the United States concerning its nuclear deal, deeming the latest US proposal "unacceptable" due to its failure to address crucial issues like sanctions relief. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the new proposal will be "reasonable, logical, and balanced," aiming to provide an alternative following several rounds of negotiations since April, where uranium enrichment rights have remained a contentious topic. This ongoing dialogue, however, faces uncertainty as US President Donald Trump has expressed decreasing confidence in the likelihood of reaching a satisfactory agreement, indicating that "they seek enrichment" and "we can't have enrichment," according to Middle East Eye and South China Morning Post.

In a notable shift, Trump stated, "I am much less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago," reflecting concerns about Iran's intentions and a perceived lack of enthusiasm for a deal. This pessimism coincides with Iran's threats from Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who warned that Iran would target US military bases across the region if conflict were to break out. "All US bases are within our reach," he asserted, reiterating Tehran's stance on continuing uranium enrichment as a non-negotiable point, as detailed by sources including India Times and Al Jazeera.

As the sixth round of talks approaches, scheduled for Sunday in Oman, analysts note that mutual distrust persists, with Iran accusing Western powers of ignoring its right to enrichment. The US proposal has been criticized for lacking substantial elements that would provide Iran with the economic relief sought since the sanctions reimposed by Trump during his presidency in 2018. This backdrop underscores the high stakes of the negotiations, where both military posturing and diplomatic efforts coexist, as highlighted by Newsweek and TRT Global.

In the lead-up to these critical negotiations, the balance of power remains precarious. Trump articulated the risks involved, stating that a failure to achieve a deal could result in military action, further complicating the already tense relations. Meanwhile, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, a position challenged by US officials and allies. The outcome of the upcoming talks could significant ramifications for regional stability, according to The Hill and Channel News Asia.