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By Staff Writer with Agencies
Washington/Tehran – Amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran over stalled nuclear negotiations, Tehran has reportedly placed its missile forces on high alert in underground facilities, signaling a sharp escalation in the crisis.
US President Donald Trump, in a recent interview with NBC News, warned that if Iran failed to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington, military strikes could follow. He further cautioned that secondary tariffs would be imposed on Tehran should diplomatic efforts fail. “If they don’t come to the negotiating table, it’s going to be a bad situation,” Trump remarked while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
Iran’s Defiant Response
In a swift reaction to Trump’s comments, Iranian state-run media, Tehran Times, reported that Iran’s missile forces have been placed in “ready-to-launch” mode within underground facilities. The report suggested that Tehran could target “US-related positions” in the event of hostilities, with Iranian officials asserting that American bases in the Middle East remain vulnerable.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf reinforced this stance, stating that the country is prepared to defend itself and respond decisively to any aggression. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) recently showcased its vast underground missile facilities, dubbed “missile cities,” in what appears to be a direct message to Washington.
A History of Nuclear Disputes
Tensions between the US and Iran have been at a boiling point since Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, during his first term in office. The agreement, initially brokered by the Obama administration, had placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in February that Iran has accelerated its production of uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels. The Trump administration has repeatedly signaled its willingness to negotiate but insists that Iran must first demonstrate its intent to curb nuclear development.
What has Iran's IRGC hidden in its new underground missile city? pic.twitter.com/EViUfHyt8e
— Iran Military (@IRIran_Military) March 27, 2025
The Prospect of Diplomatic Talks
Iran, on its part, has remained firm on avoiding direct negotiations with the US but has expressed openness to indirect discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, addressing a recent Cabinet meeting, stated, “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far. They (US) must prove that they can build trust.”
As both nations continue to exchange threats and warnings, global observers fear that the situation could spiral into an armed conflict, further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East region. The coming weeks will determine whether diplomacy can prevail or the world will witness another military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.