Iran rejects U.S. demand

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for direct talks on its nuclear program. Tehran expressed willingness to continue indirect consultations through Oman, which serves as a traditional channel for messaging between the rivals, Reuters reported.

The Iranian official said the indirect talks provide an opportunity to gauge the seriousness of Washington's intentions for a political settlement with Tehran. He warned that the path could be “rocky” and talks could only begin if the U.S. backed Iranian messaging.

Iran has sent warnings to its neighbors Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain that any U.S. support for a possible military attack on Iran, including the use of their airspace or territory to host the U.S. military, would be considered an act of hostility.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the country's armed forces to be put on high alert.

Photo: The Hindu.