Iranian officials have issued a fresh warning that the country could move toward weapons-grade uranium enrichment if it comes under renewed military attack, sharply escalating already high tensions with the United States and Israel.
A spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary national security and foreign policy commission, Ebrahim Rezaei, said Iran could consider enriching uranium up to 90 percent purity in case of another strike on its nuclear facilities. This level of enrichment is widely regarded as weapons-grade and has triggered serious international concern.
Rezaei stated that “one of Iran’s options in the event of another attack could be 90% enrichment,” adding that the issue would be reviewed in parliament. The remarks were shared publicly through his social media post, where he emphasized that Tehran would respond based on future threats.
The statement comes amid renewed friction over Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western governments say could move closer to weapons capability, while Iran insists its programme remains peaceful.
Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also reinforced a hardline stance, saying the United States had “no alternative” but to accept what he described as Iran’s rights under a proposed 14-point framework. He warned that continued delays in negotiations would only increase costs for Washington and its allies.
Ghalibaf further said Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared to respond to any aggression and added that “all options are on the table,” signalling Tehran’s readiness for a wider confrontation if necessary.
The nuclear dispute has remained a central issue in stalled diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington. The United States continues to demand that Iran transfer its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad and halt domestic enrichment, while Iran insists that nuclear discussions should be addressed later in the negotiation process.
US intelligence assessments have also raised concerns about Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, saying its nuclear progress would only be significantly slowed if the material is removed or destroyed.
Meanwhile, tensions across the region have deepened following previous military confrontations involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Earlier strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were claimed by Washington and Tel Aviv, which they said significantly reduced Iran’s enrichment capabilities, though Tehran disputes the extent of the damage.
Adding to the regional instability, reports have also emerged of expanded military coordination among US allies. Israeli defence systems, including Iron Dome batteries, were reportedly deployed to support regional partners during previous hostilities involving Iran, according to international media reports.
At the same time, cyber and psychological warfare concerns have grown, with Israeli authorities warning citizens about alleged “intimidation messages” circulating on mobile phones, which they believe are part of foreign influence operations aimed at spreading panic.
Diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks have shown limited progress. US President Donald Trump has publicly rejected Iran’s counter-proposals for ending hostilities, describing them as unacceptable, while Tehran continues to push for broader recognition of its regional and nuclear rights.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major pressure point in the conflict, with shipping disruptions and rising oil prices reflecting the uncertainty. Reduced maritime traffic has already impacted global energy markets, forcing adjustments in oil exports from several producers.
Despite ongoing international mediation efforts involving multiple regional actors, including Gulf states and European allies, the standoff between Iran and the United States shows little sign of easing. Observers warn that further escalation could significantly destabilize energy security and global trade routes.
