Iran has intensified diplomatic engagements with Russia and several Gulf countries as tensions with the United States escalate following President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to launch large-scale military strikes against the Islamic Republic.
The diplomatic moves come amid reports that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is preparing to resume major military operations against Iran, pending authorisation from Washington.
Trump reportedly warned on Thursday that the United States might have to “destroy the rest” of Iran, adding that the world would soon know whether he intended to carry out the threat.
Iran Presents Seven Conditions for Peace Talks
In its latest diplomatic initiative, Tehran reportedly submitted a new nuclear and peace proposal to Washington through Qatari mediators.
However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that negotiations would only proceed after the United States addresses seven conditions set by Iran.
The demands reportedly include lifting economic sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets and ending the American naval blockade of Iranian ports around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has also insisted that the conditions must be fulfilled before it agrees to reopen the strategic waterway and resume negotiations over its nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Washington maintains that any ceasefire agreement must address Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Iran Strengthens Relations with Russia
Iran has also moved to deepen its strategic relationship with Russia, with its senior security official, Mohsen Rezaei, travelling to Moscow on Thursday for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the meeting at the Kremlin, Rezaei reportedly delivered a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Although the contents of the message were not disclosed, the Iranian official described the exchange as extremely important.
Reports by the Financial Times also indicate that Russia had agreed to supply Iran with 90 helicopter-mounted launchers for precision-guided missiles, despite its ongoing military commitments in Ukraine.
The relationship between both countries has strengthened since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Iran has reportedly supplied Russia with Shahed drones, which Moscow has modified and deployed extensively in the war.
In return, Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military technology, air-defence equipment and information potentially relevant to its weapons development.
The two countries also discussed plans to construct gas pipelines connecting Russia and Iran. Rezaei said the project could help address Iran's gas shortages while creating opportunities for Russian energy exports to neighbouring countries.
Tehran Holds Talks with Gulf Countries
Alongside its engagement with Moscow, Iran has intensified diplomatic discussions with regional governments to prevent further escalation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held telephone conversations on Thursday with several regional counterparts, including officials from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Türkiye, Qatar and Oman.
The discussions focused on regional security, diplomatic solutions and efforts to reduce tensions.
During his conversation with Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, both sides discussed ways to coordinate diplomatic efforts and restore stability.
Qatar also reiterated its support for ensuring freedom of maritime navigation.
Meanwhile, discussions with Oman focused particularly on the security of shipping activities through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has maintained restrictions on maritime movements through the waterway, although it has reportedly granted exemptions to vessels connected to Iraq, Qatar, India and China.
Trump Maintains Threat of Further Military Action
Despite growing diplomatic efforts, Trump has refused to rule out another military campaign against Iran.
His administration is facing increasing domestic pressure following the Republican Party's poor performance in the recent US midterm elections, with the war and rising energy prices reportedly contributing to public dissatisfaction.
Former Iranian diplomat Hadi Afghahi suggested that a diplomatic settlement remains possible if Washington demonstrates greater flexibility.
However, he warned that Trump's decisions remain difficult to predict, particularly because of influential officials within his administration who favour a tougher approach towards Tehran.
Trump has also continued diplomatic contacts with regional leaders. On Friday, he reportedly discussed efforts to ease tensions with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Iran Warns of Wider Retaliation
Iran has warned that any renewed American military aggression would trigger a broader response than its previous retaliatory operations.
An official associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that countries or military forces assisting the United States in attacking Iran could become legitimate targets.
Iranian state media also reported that the country's missile capabilities could reach Israeli territory and American military installations across the region.
Tehran has previously warned that critical infrastructure, including data centres, undersea cables and artificial intelligence facilities in Gulf countries, could face attacks if another war breaks out.
Tankers Reportedly Hit by Mines in Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, tensions have continued around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claims that at least seven oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines while attempting to use unauthorised shipping routes near Oman.
The IRGC also reported that two oil tankers caught fire on Friday after striking mines while attempting to cross the waterway.
However, maritime organisations have yet to independently confirm the latest incidents.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major obstacle to diplomatic negotiations, as it normally handles approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.
The United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports while also escorting vessels through the strategic waterway.
The latest developments highlight the growing diplomatic and military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, as regional countries attempt to prevent the conflict from escalating into another full-scale war.
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