Iran's President Pezeshkian Says Country Will Not Surrender to Global Pressures

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country will not bow to pressures from global powers during nuclear negotiations with the United States.

Speaking in a speech broadcast live on state television, Pezeshkian said, "Global powers are lining up to force us to bow, but despite all the problems they create for us, we will not lower our heads."

Reuters, citing two U.S. officials, reported that the U.S. military is preparing for a sustained, multi-week operation against Iran should President Donald Trump order an attack.

U.S. and Iranian diplomats recently held talks in Oman over Tehran's nuclear program, following Trump's deployment of forces to the region, which heightened concerns of new military action.

U.S. officials announced Friday that the Pentagon is deploying another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands more troops, fighter jets, defensive systems, and other military equipment.

Speaking to U.S. troops at a base in North Carolina on Friday, Trump said reaching an agreement with Iran "has been difficult." He added, "Sometimes you have to be scary. That's the only thing that really brings things under control."

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, responding to questions about preparations for a potential sustained U.S. military operation, said, "President Trump has all options on the table regarding Iran." She added that he listens to various views but makes final decisions based on what is best for the country and national security.

The United States deployed two aircraft carriers to the region last year and conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In June's Operation "Midnight Hammer," U.S. stealth bombers flew from the United States to hit Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with an attack on a U.S. base in Qatar.

U.S. officials said planning this time is more complex. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps warned that in the event of an attack on Iranian soil, it could strike any U.S. military base. The U.S. has bases across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington on Wednesday and said any deal with Iran "must include elements vital to Israel."

Iran has said it is ready to discuss curbing its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but rejects talks on its missiles.