The US virtual embassy in Iran issued a security alert on Friday, urging American citizens to leave the country immediately and prepare for evacuation plans without relying on government assistance.
The warning comes ahead of scheduled talks between the United States and Iran in Oman, which are seen as the first official meeting between the two nations since tensions escalated in June last year. The escalation followed a 12-day conflict with Israel and subsequent US airstrikes that heavily damaged three major Iranian nuclear facilities.
Disagreements over the scope and location of the talks have cast doubt on the prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough, while the possibility of US military action remains. Washington reportedly demands that Iran relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile, limit its ballistic missile program, and halt support for armed groups in the Middle East. Former President Donald Trump has warned of military strikes if Iran refuses these conditions.
Iran has rejected these demands, calling them an unacceptable violation of its sovereignty, and has threatened retaliation against US forces in the region and Israel in case of an attack.
The diplomatic efforts are unfolding amid rising military activity, with the US reinforcing its presence in the region over recent weeks. Trump announced the deployment of a “massive fleet” led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln ahead of the talks.
Bob McNally, head of Rapidan Energy Group, described the chances of a diplomatic agreement or de-escalation as “very low,” citing deep mistrust and diverging demands.
He estimated a 75% likelihood of military confrontation between the US and Iran in the coming days or weeks, with possible scenarios ranging from limited strikes or a naval blockade to a full-scale conflict.
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