US preparing for attack; Iran in fear; crucial talks on Thursday

TEHRAN: As concerns grow that the US could attack Iran at any moment, the world is looking closely at the nuclear talks. It is reported that the US will launch an airstrike on Iran if an agreement is not reached in the talks to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday. Meanwhile, countries including India have also advised their citizens to leave the country for security reasons.

The US reminds that the Geneva talks are Iran's last chance. The report says that the US may target Iran's military leaders and nuclear scientists and destroy nuclear facilities. Iran is also firm in its stance that it will not bow to US pressure. Similar to the previous two rounds of nuclear talks, Thursday's talks will be held under the mediation of Oman.

There are indications that Iran may be ready to limit uranium enrichment or transfer it to a foreign country. Iran is also expected to put forward proposals such as an enrichment program with US participation and investment from Arab countries in the talks. The US is also reportedly ready to make concessions if it receives assurances that Iran will not build nuclear weapons.

Preparations

The US has intensified its military preparations to attack Iran. Nine giant C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying critical equipment and troops have departed for US bases in the Middle East. Dozens of F-22 Raptor and F-35 fighter jets and bombers have been deployed to the bases. Hundreds of personnel have been evacuated from bases in Bahrain and Qatar in anticipation of Iran's retaliation.

Gerald R. Ford on the Greek coast

The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived at the NATO base on the island of Crete, Greece, yesterday. The Gerald R. Ford departed from the coast of Venezuela on the 14th for the Middle East. Currently, the US Navy, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is continuing in the Arabian Sea.