The US and Iran are scheduled to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme on Saturday in Oman.
Iran warned that the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could banish the United Nations nuclear surveillance inspectors from the country from the country in response to “outside threats” as the US and Iran would hold a direct meeting in Oman on Saturday to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Relations between the two countries have been strained ever since US President Donald Trump said in February that he had reimposed a “maximum pressure” campaign.
On Wednesday, Trump said military action against Iran was “absolutely” possible if Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragci and US Middle Eastern envoy Steve Witkov ended without a deal.
“Israel is clearly very involved in it, becoming its leader, [military action]Trump added.
Iran has consistently refused to seek nuclear weapons.
On Thursday, senior adviser Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s top leader, warned that Tehran could banish UN nuclear surveillance inspectors in response to “outside threats.”
“The continued external threat and Iran’s continued military attacks could lead to deterrence measures, such as the expulsion of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency and halting cooperation.”
“The relocation of the concentrated materials to a safe location may also be considered,” he added, referring to the country’s uranium enrichment.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce warned Iran that he had committed a misstep.
“Of course, the threat of this type of action contradicts Iran’s claims about a peaceful nuclear program,” she told reporters.
“Also, expelling IAEA inspectors from Iran would be an escalation and miscalculation on the part of Iran.”
“Now, this is a meeting that has been arranged. It’s not part of some larger schemes or frameworks. It’s a meeting to determine whether Iranians are serious or not,” Bruce added.
The US announced this week a new sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program and its oil network.
In 2015, Iran reached a groundbreaking nuclear deal with a major power that gave relief from international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on nuclear activity monitored by UN inspectors.
However, in 2018, during Trump’s first term, the US withdrew from the agreement and reinstated biting sanctions against Iran.
A year later, Iran began to return to its agreement commitment, accelerating its nuclear program.
The country now claims it is opposed to direct negotiations with its rival, the United States, but remains open for indirect consultations.
However, Rubio hoped that the consultation would lead to “peace.”
“I hope that leads to peace,” Rubio told Trump’s cabinet meeting. “We’re looking forward to it.”
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