Alarm is growing over Iranian threats to Trump. Meanwhile, the future of negotiations between Washington and Tehran remains shaky
Tensions remain high between the United States and Iran. “A thousand missiles are ready to launch and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and thousands more will immediately follow, should the Iranian government act on its threat, uttered in many corners of the globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the current president of the United States of America, in this case, me!” Donald Trump thundered on Truth. “The orders have already been given and the US military is ready, willing and able, for a period of one year, extendable, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” he added.
The post came after banners praising Trump’s killing appeared during Ali Khamenei’s funeral. The late ayatollah’s own son, Mojtaba, wrote that “revenge is a desire of our nation and must certainly be carried out.” “We promise to avenge your pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of these two wars at the hands of these criminal and dishonorable murderers,” he continued, referring to his father, who was killed in February during an Israeli-American raid. Not only that. According to Israeli intelligence, some of the most extremist exponents of the Khomeini regime could decide to attempt to assassinate the American president.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran remains hanging by a thread. A few hours ago, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Oman to discuss the future transit arrangements for Hormuz. According to the journalist from AxiosBarak Ravid, the possibility of declaring the opening of the “middle lane” of the Strait is being addressed, on Doha’s proposal. Initially, CBS reported that the American delegation would also travel to Oman. However, the same newspaper, citing a Qatari official, subsequently denied the circumstance. Meanwhile, a source informed the Iranian agency Fars that negotiations will not resume until the United States withdraws its positions. “Should the United States continue to violate its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding, Iran will no longer be required to comply with them,” Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani also said.
Regional mediators, in the meantime, are working on a patch. A few hours ago, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone with his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. On the occasion, the two agreed on the need to support mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. On the other hand, Trump also spoke about the Iranian issue on Friday with the Saudi crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman.
