Thousands across Iran reportedly received a startling text message on Monday, warning, "The US President is a man of action. Wait and see," delivered in Persian from an unidentified number.
The alert surfaced amid intensifying friction between Tehran and Washington, as military posturing and sharp rhetoric continue to raise fears of a possible confrontation.
The message coincided with heightened statements from US President Donald Trump, who has been increasing pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
Reports indicate that the United States has been reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East, positioning aircraft and naval assets in preparation for a potential strike.
Trump has openly suggested the possibility of a “limited military strike” if diplomatic efforts fail. At the same time, negotiations between the two countries are expected to resume in Geneva later this week, offering a narrow window for de-escalation.
Despite the aggressive tone from Washington, Iran has signaled openness to dialogue.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview that there remains a “good chance” for diplomacy to resolve the nuclear dispute. However, he emphasised that Iran would not yield under military pressure, maintaining a firm stance against coercion.
The rising tensions have already triggered precautionary steps in the region. According to local media in Lebanon, the US embassy there evacuated dozens of personnel in anticipation of possible developments.
Meanwhile, Tehran has issued a stark warning of its own, declaring that any attack would be met "ferociously."
Iran insists its nuclear activities are intended for civilian purposes, though Western nations continue to suspect efforts toward developing nuclear weapons.
Tehran has indicated it is working on a proposal related to its nuclear programme and plans to present it to mediators in the coming days.
The diplomatic track remains fragile. A second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran concluded recently in Switzerland under Omani mediation. Another round is scheduled for Thursday, with Iran and Oman confirming participation, though the US has yet to formally do so.
Trump has made it clear that patience is limited. He stated last week that Iran has no more than 15 days to reach an agreement, hinting at military consequences if no progress is made.
US negotiator Steve Witkoff echoed this sentiment in a media interview, questioning why Tehran has not "capitulated" despite the visible military buildup.
While Washington wants broader discussions covering Iran’s missile capabilities and its backing of regional militant groups, Tehran has insisted that talks remain confined strictly to the nuclear issue.
European leaders have urged restraint, stressing the importance of diplomacy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, "We don't need another war in this region," adding that current conditions should be used to push for negotiations rather than conflict.
Internally, Iran is also facing growing unrest. University students have resumed anti-government demonstrations, reviving slogans from earlier nationwide protests.
Videos circulating online show groups chanting "down with the Islamic republic," with some even burning the national flag adopted after the 1979 revolution.
These protests follow months of economic hardship and political dissatisfaction. Demonstrations that peaked in early January were met with a severe crackdown. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports more than 7,000 deaths, most of them protesters, though estimates vary widely.
Iranian authorities acknowledge over 3,000 fatalities but attribute the violence to what they describe as "terrorist acts" supported by foreign adversaries.
The mounting uncertainty has prompted several countries to issue advisories. India, along with Sweden, Serbia, Poland, and Australia, has urged its citizens to leave Iran amid concerns of a broader conflict.
(With inputs from AFP)Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
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