Iran prefers indirect talks with US, warns neighbours over strikes against it

Iran is pushing back against US demands that it directly negotiate over its nuclear programme or be bombed, warning neighbours that host US bases that they could be in the firing line if involved, a senior Iranian official said.

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TEHRAN -

Although Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for direct talks, it wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a long-time channel for messages between the rival states, said the official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran," said the official.

Although that path could be "rocky", such talks could begin soon if US messaging supported it, the official said.

Iran has issued notices to Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain that any support for a US attack on Iran, including the use of their airspace or territory by US military during an attack, would be considered an act of hostility, the official said.

Such an act "will have severe consequences for them", the official said, adding that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had placed Iran's armed forces on high alert.

Warnings by Mr Trump of military action against Iran have jangled already tense nerves across the region after open warfare in Gaza and Lebanon, military strikes on Yemen, a change of leadership in Syria and Israeli-Iranian exchanges of fire.