Ammon News - Iran has expressed its preference for indirect negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear programme, while issuing stern warnings to regional countries that could be implicated in any military action against it, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Despite rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for direct talks, Iran is open to continuing backchannel discussions via Oman, a traditional intermediary between Tehran and Washington. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Indirect talks allow us to gauge whether the U.S. is genuinely interested in a political resolution.”

The official noted that although the process could face difficulties, such talks may begin soon if U.S. messaging proves supportive.

In anticipation of possible conflict, Iran has warned neighbouring states—Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain—that any assistance to a U.S. strike, including allowing the use of their airspace or territory, would be considered an act of aggression.

“Such actions will carry serious consequences,” the official stated, adding that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has placed Iranian forces on high alert.

Trump’s threats of potential military action have intensified regional tensions already heightened by the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, airstrikes in Yemen, political shifts in Syria, and ongoing Israeli-Iranian hostilities. Gulf countries, many of which host U.S. military bases and lie along a strategic corridor for global oil transport, have grown increasingly anxious about a possible escalation.

Officials from Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of such a warning but acknowledged that communications could be relayed through alternative channels.

Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that Kuwait had assured Tehran it would not allow any hostile activity toward other countries to be launched from its territory.

Meanwhile, Russia, a key ally of Iran, criticised Washington’s military threats and urged restraint. However, a second Iranian official expressed doubt about Moscow’s reliability, noting that its support may depend on the nature of the relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.