Iran says US must avoid 'excessive demands' for progress in talks

Ali Asghar Asgari, prosecutor of Qazvin, said the two suspects were detained over the use of a hunting weapon against Bigdeli’s vehicle. A judicial case has been opened against them, he added.

Asgari said the incident did not have a “terrorist” nature.

On Thursday evening, Salar Abnoush, head of the Qazvin provincial assembly of lawmakers, said the personal vehicle of Bigdeli, who represents Takestan in parliament, was hit by pellet gun fire. He said the lawmaker was unharmed.

Hospitals across Israel are preparing new measures in case of a war with Iran, Ynet reported citing internal Health Ministry documents.

The two documents, sent to hospitals in recent days, analyze problems the system faced in June and set out recommendations for a future campaign, the report said.

The papers focus on protecting patient privacy, supporting medical staff and reducing infection risks in crowded wards.

A senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces said US troops and equipment would be destroyed in the event of any conflict.

Abolfazl Shekarchi made the comments after Trump said the United States would not allow what he called “the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism” to obtain a nuclear weapon.

“In the event of any conflict, American soldiers and their equipment will be destroyed,” Shekarchi said.

He added that any “foolish action” by the United States could ignite a broad fire in the region.

US Vice President JD Vance will meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi in Washington on Friday, a day after indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States were held in Geneva, MSNBC reported.

Albusaidi has acted as mediator in the recent negotiations, conveying messages between Iranian and US delegations in an effort to prevent escalation between the two sides.

The meeting comes as President Donald Trump weighs next steps following the Geneva talks and has warned of possible military action if diplomacy fails.

Jason Brodsky, policy director at advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran, wrote on X that he read the planned meeting as a sign the president “is not being satisfied with the results from the talks with Iran’s regime in Geneva.”

Delegations from Tehran and Washington met under Omani mediation for the third round of indirect talks, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said technical discussions would resume next week in Vienna.

While the Omani top diplomat spoke of “progress” in negotiations, US media said no breakthrough was achieved.

Iran rejected major US proposals, including transferring enriched uranium abroad, halting enrichment, and dismantling certain nuclear sites, The Wall Street Journal reported citing informed sources.

US military and political pressure continues

The talks took place amid a large US military presence in the Middle East. Shortly after the talks, CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump on potential options, ranging from limited strikes on nuclear and missile sites to broader operations involving Israel, carrying risks of escalation and regime change.

White House officials stressed that no decisions had yet been made.

In Washington, lawmakers signaled hardline positions. Senate Republicans posted on X that “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Representative Carlos Gimenez warned that past deals “breathed new life into the regime” and argued that extraordinary measures may be needed to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

US Vice President JD Vance, cited by The Washington Post, said the United States would avoid another prolonged Middle East war while keeping both diplomatic and military options open.

The talks coincide with domestic pressures in Iran, where universities have shifted to online-only classes amid ongoing protests. Observers say the lack of breakthroughs highlights the fragile state of the diplomatic process.

Negotiators are expected to return next week. Core disagreements over enrichment and sanctions remain, leaving the outcome uncertain as Iran continues uranium enrichment and the US maintains military readiness in the region.