Iran Criticizes US Actions as Diplomatic Talks Stall

Middle Eastern outlets present Iran as under heavy US pressure while still open to talks, and argue that Washington is using the threat of force to extract concessions. They highlight Iranian leaders’ refusal to send enriched uranium abroad as a stand against what they describe as surrender terms, and warn that any US attack would trigger a regional, multi-front war. They expect Iran to keep negotiating through Pakistan while preparing for wider conflict if Washington chooses military action.

• •Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei insists enriched uranium must stay in Iran as a matter of sovereignty.
• •Iran’s chief negotiator accuses the United States of seeking to start a new war and force Tehran’s surrender.
• •Iranian officials say US talk of being "locked and loaded" shows Washington is preparing for military escalation.
• •Regional analysts in Iraq and elsewhere warn that a war with Iran would quickly involve multiple fronts and neighboring states.
• •Commentators in the region argue that Iran has learned how to counter US pressure and will not accept one-sided terms.