Iran threatens expelling UN nuclear inspectors, accuses US of intimidation
Tensions rise as Tehran cites “external threats” and Washington warns against escalation
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – Iran has warned that it may expel United Nations nuclear inspectors from the country, citing “external threats,” just days before scheduled high-level talks with the United States in Oman.
The threat came as Iran faces continued external pressure forcing Tehran to take “deterrent measures,” including the expulsion of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the transfer of enriched uranium to secure locations.
“Military threats against Iran could result in the cessation of cooperation with the IAEA,” Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted on X, referencing the rising tensions in the region.
Despite the warning, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Friday that Tehran remains committed to diplomatic efforts.
“We are giving diplomacy a genuine chance, in good faith and full vigilance,” he said, calling on Washington to “appreciate this decision,” which he noted was taken despite “hostile rhetoric” from the U.S.
The meeting, scheduled for Saturday in Oman, will bring together Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, the atmosphere surrounding the talks remains tense.
US President Donald Trump, in remarks on Wednesday, said military action against Iran was “absolutely” an option should the talks fail, adding that “Israel will obviously be very much involved in that, be the leader of that.”
In Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce warned Iran against what she called a “miscalculation.”
She emphasized that expelling UN inspectors would contradict Tehran’s stated commitment to a peaceful nuclear program and “would be an escalation.”
The U.S. has recently imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear sector and oil network, while also deploying B-2 bombers to a US-British base on Diego Garcia, amid ongoing tensions in Yemen and the broader region.
Although Iran has publicly rejected direct talks with Washington, it has signaled openness to indirect negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that the Oman meeting might pave the way for de-escalation, saying, “We’re hopeful that it will lead to peace.”
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