Russia concerned Iran standoff could escalate into full-scale conflict, Zakharova says

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s latest speech was his clearest stance yet ahead of a possible war scenario, said the international relations expert and security analyst Shahin Modarres.

“Given the substance of these remarks, the Trump administration is likely concerned and may push for a final round of negotiations in the coming weeks,” Modarres told Iran International TV.

If talks fail, he said, the US would swiftly move to impose severe economic pressure on Iran through snapback mechanisms or fresh international sanctions.

“Israel’s role will then become more pronounced,” Modarres added, pointing to the likelihood of at least a limited military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites to force Tehran back to the table.

Modarres said broader attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure would also remain on the table.

“We now face a narrowing window,” he said. “The question is whether either side is willing to step back from its maximalist position—or whether we are entering an extremely tense and dangerous phase.”

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The United States is likely to support a resolution led by European powers at the International Atomic Energy Agency next week over Iran’s failure to cooperate with nuclear safeguards, Wall Street Journal reporter Laurence Norman said Wednesday.

“I am hearing the US will back/join an E3 resolution… on Iran's safeguards non-cooperation,” Norman posted on X. He added that the draft will likely highlight a “key specific non-compliance claim,” and that Washington’s support makes its adoption all but certain.

Iran will respond forcefully to any assault at sea, said Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri on Wednesday.

“Any warship or country that tries to attack us will face a strong response,” he added.

Tangsiri also praised Yemen’s Houthis, calling them “a source of pride for Islam.”

“They defend the oppressed and have proven their resolve through their support for Palestine.”

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Iran’s Culture Minister Abbas Salehi described Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s latest speech on uranium enrichment as an explanation of the country’s nuclear program for the general public.

In a post on X, Salehi called Khamenei’s remarks “a logical, legal, national, and comprehensible clarification” that strengthened public resolve.

“The Leader has created enhanced national strength against the greed and excess of Iran’s enemies,” he wrote.

Khamenei said Wednesday that Iran would not abandon enrichment and dismissed foreign objections.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s nuclear stance on Wednesday, saying Iran will not compromise on uranium enrichment.

“No enrichment, no deal. No nuclear weapons, we have a deal,” he wrote in a post on X.

Araghchi said few nations can fuel nuclear reactors because it requires major financial, industrial, and academic capacity—something Iran has built at great cost.

“There is no scenario in which we will give up on the patriots who made our dream come true,” he said.