Iran Threatens Weapons-Grade Enrichment as U.S. Weighs Resuming Hostilities

Nuclear tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a new peak on Tuesday as Iranian officials suggested the country could move toward weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran's national security commission, stated that 90% enrichment is an active option if the U.S. or its allies launch further attacks. This rhetoric follows President Trump’s dismissal of a weekend counterproposal from Iran, which he characterized as 'garbage.' Reports indicate the White House is now actively discussing the resumption of hostilities during national security meetings. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has intensified economic pressure by imposing fresh sanctions on Iran’s oil trade with China. These measures aim to further isolate Tehran and choke off revenue sustaining its war economy. The economic fallout of the ongoing maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz is being felt globally, with American consumers facing sharp increases in fuel prices and inflation. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan and China are coordinating efforts to stabilize the region. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s Wang Yi held talks emphasizing the need for a durable ceasefire and the restoration of shipping routes. These discussions serve as a precursor to upcoming high-stakes talks between President Trump and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the U.S. hopes China will leverage its influence over Iran to prevent further escalation.