IRAN is said to be on the brink of developing devastating nuclear weapons after Donald Trump threatened to bomb the regime “like never before”.
The boss of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a top nuclear watchdog, warned that Iran is “not far away” from getting their hands on nuclear weapons.
His statements come after the US and Iran finished their first round of to discuss a new nuclear agreement for the Iranian regime.
Tehran was slapped with a chillingdeadlineto either hold direct talks and sign a new nuclear agreement or potentially face military action.
But Khamenei strongly refused to agree to Trump's demands, saying that Iran will not engage in any direct negotiations with the US.
The snub saw a furious.
Defying expectations of a fiery confrontation, their meeting in Oman was instead held “in a constructive atmosphere”, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry.
The Middle Eastern country also said that after two-and-a-half hours of indirect talks, Iranian diplomat Abbas Aragchi and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff actually spoke directly.
They added that discussions would continue next week.
However, Rafael Grossi, the Director General for the IAEA, warned the world that Iran could be closer than we think towards completing a successful nuclear test aimed at military use.
In an interview with Le Monde, he said: It's like a puzzle: they have the pieces and maybe one day they could put them back together.
“There's still a long way to go before they get there.
“But they're not far away, we have to admit that.
“You can't just tell the international community ‘we don't have nuclear weapons, and they'll believe it. We have to be able to verify it.”
A senior Israeli politician intold Flying Eze it is more important now than ever to stop Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump said he would slap Tehran with further sanctions under his administration's maximum pressure policy to cripple its economy.
Trump told NBC: “If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing.
“It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trump's threat, saying the US would receive a strong blow if they decide to act.
Khamenei said: “The enmity from the US and Israel has always been there.
“They threaten to attack us, which we don't think is very probable, but if they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow.
“And if they are thinking of causing sedition inside the country, as in past years, the Iranian people themselves will deal with them.”
LOCKING TARGETS
The war of words came as the US amassed at least five B-2 strategic bombers on the British island of Diego Garcia – all aimed at Iran.
Iran is over 2,300 miles from where the bombers are stationed – but the B-2s have a massive 6,900-mile range.
The heavy bombers can obliterate targets with their huge 25-tonne bomb payload per jet.
It had been after against them two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, reports also emerged revealing Tehran's preparation for a potential US strike.
Iran is said to be readying itself by setting up missiles with the capability to strike US positions, The Tehran Times revealed.
A significant number of these weapons are located in underground facilities scattered across the country, designed to withstand airstrikes.
