Iran: Weakened in Talks with the US, Threatening Regionally

Iran is in talks with the US regarding its nuclear program, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the initial talks in Oman as a 'good start'. However, significant differences remain between the two sides.

The US is pressuring Iran to halt uranium enrichment, limit its ballistic missile program, and cease support for regional allies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran, for its part, insists that its ballistic program is non-negotiable and related to its defense.

According to a report, Iran continues to develop underground missile storage facilities and production centers. In 2020, it launched a ballistic missile from an underground location for the first time. In June 2023, it unveiled its first domestically produced hypersonic missile.

Iran's economy is collapsing, with the currency at low levels. Despite the pressure, the Iranian leadership shows no willingness to compromise and threatens regional conflict in the event of a military attack by the US. Khamenei reportedly stated that such a war would be regional.

If diplomacy fails, a US attack could have serious consequences for the entire region. A weakened Iran could try to involve Israel and the Gulf states in the war and use the Strait of Hormuz to drive up global oil prices.