Iran Warns of Higher Uranium Enrichment as US-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Fragile Ceasefire

ISTANBUL: Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply as an already fragile ceasefire faces growing uncertainty, with Tehran warning it could consider uranium enrichment up to 90% if renewed attacks occur.

Iranian parliament Foreign Policy and National Security Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the matter would be reviewed by lawmakers, signalling a possible policy shift in response to rising regional pressure.

His comments come amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory actions from Tehran targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf region. The escalation also led to disruptions in key maritime routes, including the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was later brokered on April 8 through mediation efforts involving Pakistan. However, subsequent negotiations held in Islamabad reportedly failed to produce a lasting agreement, leaving the truce in a vulnerable state. The ceasefire was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed timeline.

On Sunday, Iran submitted its response via Pakistan to a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the conflict. However, President Trump rejected the proposal, describing it as “totally unacceptable”.

The situation further deteriorated after Trump dismissed what he called a “piece of garbage” Iranian proposal, intensifying diplomatic friction between the two sides.

While the ceasefire remains formally in place, analysts warn that continued political deadlock and escalating rhetoric could push the region closer to renewed conflict.