TEHRAN: Iran has indicated it could escalate its uranium enrichment to 90 percent if the United States carries out another attack on its territory, stated Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliamentary Commission, on Tuesday.
Rezaei noted that one possible Iranian response to a renewed US-Israeli assault would be to increase uranium enrichment to 90 percent, a measure that would be reviewed by parliament. This announcement came amid diminishing hopes for a peace deal between Tehran and Washington, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks that a ceasefire with Iran was “on life support.”
Trump criticized Iran’s reaction to a US proposal intended to end the conflict, accusing Tehran of rejecting the offer and maintaining demands he described as “garbage.”
Meanwhile, Iran has called for an end to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Tehran has also demanded recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damages, and the lifting of the US naval blockade.
In a significant development, ongoing regional tensions have affected global energy markets, with Brent crude oil futures climbing above $104 per barrel due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, the United States imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of assisting Iran in exporting oil to China. Washington stated this move aims to limit funding for Tehran’s military and nuclear programs.
President Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing on Wednesday, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to include Iran-related issues.
