Iran Has No Contingency Plan if Nuclear Talks Fail

Tensions are mounting over Iran’s uranium enrichment program, a key sticking point in the ongoing talks with Washington.

Trump is applying a lot of pressure on Iran, and the US has stated that they prefer to sort out the matter diplomatically and not have to resort to military solutions.

At the same time, Trump is reportedly unhappy that Israel might attack Iran, preferring that Israel waits to see how the current negotiations unfold, which Israel had respected so far.

But, three Iranian sources, in a rare critique of the country’s leadership, noted that Iran’s regime has no backup plan if nuclear talks with the United States collapse.

The sources, speaking to Reuters, also signaled that Tehran could deepen ties with China and Russia if negotiations falter. The warning comes as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism about the prospects for a deal.

The sources indicated that, in the event of a breakdown, Iran would revert to its pre-negotiation strategy of avoiding escalation while preparing to defend its interests.

The comments follow a public spat between Tehran and Washington. Iran’s Foreign Minister recently posted on X, alleging inconsistencies between the U.S.’s public and private stances.

The White House countered, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reiterating that uranium enrichment is a “red line,” echoing remarks by Steve Witkoff, an advisor to President Trump. Leavitt stressed that this position has been conveyed directly to Iranian negotiators.

Earlier this week, Khamenei downplayed the likelihood of a breakthrough, likening the current talks to past failed efforts.