Exclusive: US mobilization aims to force key negotiating terms on Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
12 Jun 2025 01:47
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An Iranian official tells Al Mayadeen that recent US military posturing is meant to pressure Tehran in nuclear talks, warning any Israeli attack on nuclear facilities will trigger an “unprecedented” response.

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Iranian domestically-built missiles and drones are displayed during the Basij paramilitary force parade in Tehran, Iran, on January 10, 2025. (AP)

An unnamed Iranian official, speaking exclusively to Al Mayadeen, interpreted recent US military and diplomatic movements as calculated pressure designed to affect Iran’s position in ongoing nuclear negotiations.

“There is no real indication that the region is heading towards a military escalation between Iran and the US,” the official told Al Mayadeen.

However, he emphasised that Washington’s actions, such as evacuating dependents and personnel from embassies in the Gulf and shifting US troops to leave family members "on leave", are being driven by pressure from the Israeli lobby aiming to force Iran’s capitulation on key negotiating terms.

'Israel' seeks US military involvement

The Iranian official told Al Mayadeen that "Israel" seeks to drag the US into military confrontation with Iran, “but this is unlikely at the present stage,” stressing that US measures like embassy withdrawals are more about negotiation tactics than genuine war preparations.

Tehran vows 'unprecedented response' to attacks on nuclear facilities

On the consequences of a potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites, the official warned, “Any Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear facilities will be met with an unprecedented response from Tehran.”

The official underlined Iran’s repeated red lines on preserving its civilian nuclear infrastructure and signals that any military interference would carry severe repercussions, as has been emphasized by multiple officials.

Diplomatic efforts continue as both parties prepare for the sixth round of nuclear discussions in Oman. Iran is expected to reject US demands for zero enrichment and instead present its own counterproposal.

Meanwhile, US bases and embassies in the Gulf remain on alert amid broader regional unease, including maritime advisories by the UK for Gulf shipping lanes and reports of Israeli preparedness to potentially strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.