Middle East tensions escalate as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei orders armed forces to prepare for potential attacks. Directive follows day after US-Iran talks in Muscat, Oman, on April 12, 2025, focusing on nuclear issues.

US President Donald Trump threatens airstrikes if Iran fails to comply on nuclear matters, despite White House claiming constructive dialogue. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describes talks as peaceful, with no hostile rhetoric from US envoy Steve Witkop, leading American delegation.

Oman-mediated discussions mark highest-level US-Iran meeting since 2018. No photos or direct contact occurred between Araghchi and Witkop, who communicated through Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. White House calls meeting positive, emphasizing diplomacy for solutions.

Khamenei, addressing military officials in Tehran, urges maximum readiness against enemy tactics. Iran’s armed forces aim to counter threats and division, he says, hinting at US intentions. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s army chief, assures Khamenei of full preparedness.

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Second round of talks announced by US, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington, pushing Libya-style nuclear deal for Iran. Such agreement forced Libya to abandon weapons programs in 2003, but Khamenei unlikely to accept similar terms.

Situation remains volatile, with Iran’s military on edge and US maintaining pressure.