Iran army warns it will 'open new fronts' against US if attacks resume

Iran's army warned on Tuesday it would "open new fronts" against the United States if Washington resumes its military campaign. The warning came after President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned offensive to allow diplomatic negotiations over Iran's nuclear program to proceed. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8.

What did Iran's army warn the U.S. about?

Iran's army warned it would open new fronts against the United States using new weapons and methods if attacks resume. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Iran had used the ceasefire to strengthen its combat capabilities. He added that the only path forward for Washington was to respect Iranian sovereignty and the country's legitimate rights.

What did Trump say about a military strike on Iran?

Trump posted on Truth Social that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had asked him to hold off on a planned military strike, which he said had been scheduled for the following day. He confirmed that serious negotiations were underway. Trump also warned that he had instructed the U.S. military to remain ready for a "full, large scale assault" on short notice if a deal is not reached.

Where do U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations currently stand?

Washington and Tehran have been exchanging proposals since the Middle East war broke out on February 28. The two sides have held one round of formal talks. On Monday, Iran said it had responded to a new U.S. proposal and that diplomatic exchanges were continuing, despite Iranian media describing Washington's demands as excessive.

What are the U.S. and Iran each demanding in talks?

Iran's Fars news agency reported that the U.S. presented a five-point proposal, including a demand that Iran keep only one nuclear site operational and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States. The U.S. also reportedly refused to release frozen Iranian assets or pay war reparations, and said it would only halt hostilities once Tehran enters formal peace negotiations. Iran, for its part, is insisting on the release of its frozen assets, the lifting of long-standing sanctions, and war reparations.

What is Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz?

Akraminia reiterated on Tuesday that Iran maintains control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran has closed the waterway and wants to charge ships for passage through it. Control of the strait is a significant point of leverage, as it is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil shipments.