The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has declared, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East and indications from Washington that diplomatic efforts regarding Tehran’s nuclear program have stalled, that it is blacklisting Iran for the first time in two decades.
According to the IAEA’s statements, there is substantial evidence that Iran is operating a covert nuclear weapons program, possesses and continues to gather significant amounts of enriched uranium, and is denying IAEA inspectors access to its nuclear facilities.
In light of these developments, along with recent announcements from Washington about the evacuation of a considerable portion of the diplomatic staff at the US embassy in Baghdad and Kuwait, it seems we are rapidly moving toward increased asymmetric conflict in the region.
Today, Iran announced that its entire armed forces, which fall under the control of the Revolutionary Guards and total over 600,000, are on high alert, with military exercises planned for the coming days.
Additionally, Tehran formally warned the US on Wednesday that if an attack occurs on its nuclear facilities, US bases in the region would be among the initial targets of its military forces.
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