White House denies any intention to use a nuclear weapon against Iran
As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran approaches, political and military developments in the region are accelerating, coinciding with reports of new attacks on Kharg Island, one of Iran's most important oil export hubs.
The White House has denied media reports that the United States may use a nuclear weapon against Iran, following controversial remarks by President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
A statement issued by the "Rapid Response 47" account on the "X" platform explained that Vance's remarks in Hungary, in which he said that "Trump reserves all options on Iran," were misinterpreted, stressing that the conversation did not include any reference to nuclear weapons.
Mutual threats and unprecedented escalation
Trump has hinted in social media posts that a failure to reach a deal with Tehran could lead to the "end of civilization," while Vance stressed that the president reserves all options and may resort to using them.
Some media outlets have suggested that these options could include nuclear weapons, which the White House has categorically denied, and in a new escalation, Trump said: "Tuesday/Wednesday night an entire civilization will die tonight and will never come back... I don't want that, but it probably will."
Stalling negotiations... Limited progress
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran are progressing, but reaching an agreement before the deadline remains difficult, Axios said , noting that the White House's response sent through mediators on Monday was relatively encouraging, adding, "Iran's latest proposal was not exactly what we wanted, but it was much better than we expected."
Iran's hardline stance
Tehran, on the other hand, rejects the US conditions, and demands a halt to the attacks and the lifting of sanctions before any negotiations.
Reuters quoted a senior Iranian source as saying Iran's allies would close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if the situation spiraled out of control, warning that targeting Iranian power plants would plunge the region and Saudi Arabia into "total darkness".
Open war
Mehr News Agency reported that US-Israeli attacks targeted Kharg Island, while Iranian officials announced that 18 people were killed in attacks on Alborz province.
Since February 28, the United States and Israel have been conducting large-scale military operations against Iran, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries and the assassination of prominent figures, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, saying it is targeting US sites and interests in the region, while some attacks have resulted in civilian casualties.