The situation in Iran does not appear to be improving.
According to CCTV News, on February 5 (Eastern Time), the U.S. Department of State issued a security warning via its “Virtual Tehran Embassy in Iran,” stating that security measures are being continuously tightened across Iran, and the situation remains tense. The U.S. urged American citizens to leave Iran independently as soon as possible and develop departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. If unable to leave temporarily, they should take local precautions, stock up on essential supplies, avoid demonstrations, and remain discreet.
Meanwhile, according to information released by Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, Iran and the United States began nuclear issue negotiations in the capital of Oman at around 10:00 AM local time today (February 6) (2:00 PM Beijing Time).
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated during a discussion at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on February 5 local time that Israel is prepared to launch a "very severe strike" against Iran.
The U.S. and Israel seem to still be preparing for an offensive.
Currently, the United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei announced on the evening of February 5 that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has led a diplomatic delegation to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to conduct nuclear issue negotiations with the United States. Baghaei stated on social media that this diplomatic engagement between Iran and the U.S. aims to reach a "fair, mutually agreed upon, and dignified understanding" on the nuclear issue.
Baghaei emphasized that Iran always remembers past painful experiences, including breaches of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program, military aggression against Iran in June last year, and recent external interference in Iran’s affairs. “We consistently bear the responsibility to safeguard the rights of the Iranian people; simultaneously, we also have a duty not to abandon any opportunity to protect national interests and maintain regional peace and stability through diplomatic means.”
However, the U.S. and Israel seem to still be preparing for an offensive.
On one hand, the U.S. Department of State urged American citizens to leave Iran independently as soon as possible. During an interview with NBC, President Trump said that the U.S. has discovered Iran considering the establishment of new nuclear facilities elsewhere. He warned that if Iran proceeds, the U.S. will take action and Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei “should be highly vigilant.”
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated during a discussion at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on February 5 local time that Israel is ready to launch a “very severe strike” against Iran. It was reported that the current level of preparation and intensity for such strikes would “far exceed the attack on Iran in June last year.” He added that Israel and the U.S. are maintaining close communication on the Iranian issue.
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Iran's actions
Iran has also not backed down. According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency on the 5th, Mohammad Akraminia, spokesperson for the Iranian Army, warned that U.S. military bases in the Middle East are highly vulnerable to attacks.
Akraminia stated that Iran is fully prepared to handle any situation. 'We can easily penetrate American military bases, which increases their vulnerability.'
Akraminia said that the U.S. leadership must choose between compromise and war, with Iran's military readiness covering both possibilities. Regarding potential U.S. actions, he warned that any conflict would spread across the entire region, including U.S. military bases within it.
Akraminia mentioned the integration of 1,000 strategic drones into the combat systems of Iran's four major military branches, stating that this reflects the full preparedness of Iran's armed forces to defend the country. He also noted that other defense systems have been upgraded and are now fully operational.
On the evening of the 4th local time, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled an underground missile facility and showcased the 'Khorramshahr-4' ballistic missile, one of Iran’s most advanced ballistic missiles, which has entered operational deployment.
The 'Khorramshahr-4' missile has a range of 2,000 kilometers and carries a warhead weighing 1,500 kilograms, with an accuracy of approximately 30 meters. It is one of the key pillars of Iran's 'active deterrence' strategy. This missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and approximately Mach 8 upon re-entry into the atmosphere, significantly compressing the reaction time of adversaries' air defense systems while enhancing its penetration capabilities through various technical measures.
In addition, according to a report by Agence France-Presse on February 5, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported on February 4 that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had seized two oil tankers carrying foreign crew members in Persian Gulf waters, citing 'fuel smuggling' as the reason. The national flags of the two vessels and the nationalities of the crew members have not yet been disclosed. This seizure occurred amid heightened regional tensions. Previously, Iran took a hardline response to anti-government protests, prompting the United States to dispatch a naval task force to the region.
Editor/Melody
