Iran has set seven conditions for restarting talks with Washington, including an end to fighting on all fronts and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on its ports, while Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately warned Iran is close to building a nuclear weapon.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh, the first reported Houthi strike on the Saudi capital since fighting escalated in July. The coalition also said it thwarted attacks aimed at Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
Iran lays out seven conditions
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Al Jazeera that Tehran had passed its demands to Washington through Qatari mediators and was waiting for the U.S. to act first. He said Iran's seven conditions include ending the war on all fronts, releasing frozen Iranian assets and lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, and that Washington must meet them before negotiations begin.
Rezaei warned Iran is prepared for further military confrontation and said U.S. bases could face heavier strikes if Washington attacks again. He added that Tehran remains committed to its existing nuclear doctrine but is weighing whether to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty depending on U.S. actions.
Separately, Iran's central military command said it had received information that the United States, backed by some regional countries, was preparing to resume military action against Tehran. It warned any U.S. attack would trigger sustained strikes on American bases and interests across the region, and that countries supporting the aggression would be treated as parties to the conflict.
Houthi attacks widen toward Saudi oil sites
The Houthis claimed strikes on what they called sensitive targets across Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, including Saudi Aramco facilities in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The Saudi coalition did not report whether the attacks caused damage. The group has targeted cities, military bases and energy infrastructure since declaring a naval blockade against Saudi shipping.
As a result, the U.S. State Department warned Americans in nine Middle Eastern countries to exercise caution, saying Saudi-Houthi hostilities could escalate rapidly.
Netanyahu adds a nuclear warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran is two weeks away from developing a nuclear weapon, following the International Atomic Energy Agency's referral of Iran's nuclear activities to the UN Security Council. The IAEA has reported difficulties verifying Tehran's nuclear materials because of restricted access for inspectors.
Prediction markets now price a reduced likelihood of US-Iran peace talks occurring by September 30, 2026, as the warning adds to the region's geopolitical risk.
Sources: Investing.com, Crypto Briefing
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