The situation in Iran appears to be escalating. On February 5, Eastern Time, the U.S. Department of State issued a security alert via the "Virtual Embassy Tehran," warning that security measures are being intensified nationwide in Iran, and tensions remain high. U.S. citizens are strongly urged to depart Iran as soon as possible and to make independent evacuation plans without relying on U.S. government assistance. Those unable to leave immediately are advised to shelter in place, stock essential supplies, avoid demonstrations, and maintain a low profile.
Simultaneously, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold nuclear negotiations in the capital of Oman around 10:00 AM local time (2:00 PM Beijing time) on February 6.
Notably, on February 5, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated during a parliamentary committee discussion that Israel is prepared to launch a "very severe strike" against Iran.
While diplomatic efforts are underway, both the U.S. and Israel appear to be preparing for potential offensive actions. The U.S. Department of State's warning for citizens to leave Iran coincides with President Trump's remarks in an NBC interview, where he claimed Iran is considering building new nuclear facilities elsewhere, warning of U.S. action if such plans proceed. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's current readiness for a strike exceeds the intensity of its actions in June of the previous year and that Israel maintains close communication with the U.S. on Iran.
These developments appear to be impacting financial markets. Spot gold reversed earlier losses, rising to $4,777.31 per ounce after falling to a low of $4,655.31. Spot silver also turned positive, gaining over 1% after an earlier decline of more than 8%. International oil prices shifted from losses to gains, with Brent crude rising from $66.9 to $67.5 per barrel.
Iran has responded assertively. According to Iran's Mehr News Agency on February 5, Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Aqamiriya warned that U.S. military bases in the Middle East are highly vulnerable to attack. Aqamiriya stated that Iran is fully prepared for any scenario and can easily access U.S. bases. He warned that any conflict would spread across the region, affecting all U.S. bases there.
On the evening of February 4, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) revealed an underground missile facility showcasing the operational "Khorramshahr-4" ballistic missile, one of Iran's most advanced. The missile has a range of 2,000 kilometers, carries a 1,500-kilogram warhead, and has a precision of about 30 meters. It can reach speeds of Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 upon re-entry, significantly reducing the response time for enemy defense systems.
Additionally, according to AFP on February 5, Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported that the IRGC seized two foreign-crewed tankers in the Persian Gulf for alleged fuel smuggling. The nationalities of the tankers and crew remain unclear. This seizure occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, following Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests and subsequent U.S. naval deployments to the area.