Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch a strike against Iran if a new agreement on Tehran’s nuclear programme is not reached by early March, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
The United States Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and family members from Israel due to security concerns. The United States Embassy Jerusalem also advised American citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights remain available.
Trump said he was frustrated with Iran’s position in the negotiations but had not yet decided whether to take military action. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” he told reporters.
Iran has warned it would target American bases in the region if attacked and could also launch missile strikes against Israel.
Travel Warnings and Diplomatic Moves
Several countries have updated travel advisories amid the escalating situation.
Germany and France have urged citizens to avoid travel to Israel, while China has advised its nationals to remain highly vigilant and evacuate Iran as soon as possible. The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn embassy staff from Iran.
Meanwhile, Oman continues to mediate the nuclear talks. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi was expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance in Washington following a third round of discussions in Geneva that ended without a breakthrough.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks had made “very good progress” and indicated another round could take place within a week. However, major differences remain. The US is pushing for restrictions on Iran’s missile programme and support for armed groups, as well as a complete halt to uranium enrichment. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium and is seeking the lifting of US sanctions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel next week for further discussions.
IAEA Calls for Immediate Access to Nuclear Sites
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged Iran to grant inspectors immediate access to nuclear facilities affected by US and Israeli strikes last year.
According to a confidential IAEA report, inspectors have not been able to verify the current size of Iran’s uranium stockpile or confirm whether enrichment activities have stopped.
The agency estimates that Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity — a level close to weapons-grade material. The IAEA said access to the sites is “indispensable and urgent.”
Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for civilian purposes.
Further diplomatic and technical talks are expected in Vienna next week as efforts to prevent further escalation continue.
