Ali Larijani, Iran's Secretary of the National Security Council, has made a strong statement indicating that if the United States were to attack Iran, the Iranian response would be to target U.S. military bases located in the region. This declaration suggests a heightened tension between Iran and the United States, particularly in light of ongoing diplomatic negotiations that have not yielded a formal proposal from Washington. Larijani noted that the exchanges occurring in Oman were merely messages rather than concrete proposals, yet he affirmed the positive stance of Iran towards continuing discussions with the U.S.

Furthermore, Larijani remarked that the U.S. appears to have changed its approach towards Iran, moving away from military options to a more rational engagement in discussions. This statement is crucial as it indicates a possible thaw in relations, albeit complicated by external factors. He expressed gratitude for Qatar's mediating role and highlighted the unique nature of the current negotiations focused solely on Iran's nuclear program, distancing other issues from the talks. This narrow focus underscores the significance of these discussions in the geopolitical landscape.

Lastly, Larijani criticized Israel’s efforts which he claims aim to disrupt the negotiation process and instigate conflict within the region. He reiterated Iran’s stance on its nuclear endeavors, asserting the necessity of nuclear capabilities for energy and medical developments. The implications of this statement are broad, impacting relations with not only the United States but also regional allies and adversaries who may perceive Iran’s defensive rhetoric as a justification for their military posturing and conflict escalation in the Middle East.