Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Tehran is fully prepared for all possible outcomes in its standoff with the United States and Israel, as tensions surge ahead of a critical deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a statement posted on X, Aref stressed that Iran has taken comprehensive measures to safeguard its national security and infrastructure amid growing threats.

Progress has been made over the past 24 hours in negotiations between the United States and Iran, but reaching a ceasefire agreement by the 8 p.m. Eastern Time deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump remains unlikely, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump is the only person who knows the United States’ next steps regarding Iran, the White House said on Tuesday, as tensions escalated ahead of a critical deadline set by the president.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told AFP that Iran had until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (midnight GMT) to reach an agreement with Washington or face severe consequences.

Iranian authorities reported on Tuesday that airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel targeted airspace near the city of Kashan in Iran. According to Akbar Salihi, Deputy Governor of Isfahan Province for Security Affairs, who spoke to state media, the strikes resulted in two fatalities and three injuries.

Salihi said the attacks involved military aircraft crossing into airspace over the outskirts of Kashan, causing significant damage to key roads and local infrastructure. Workers and residents in affected areas were evacuated as emergency teams assessed the damage.

Separately, Morteza Heydari, the Deputy Governor of Qom Province for Security Affairs, reported that additional airstrikes targeted the main roads connecting the cities of Zanjan and Tabriz, critical arteries for regional transport.

Qatar warned Tuesday that the conflict is nearing a threshold beyond control, raising mounting concerns over regional food, water, and environmental security.

“We have been warning since 2023 that escalation left unchecked will get us into a situation where it cannot be controlled, and we are very close to that point,” said Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the end of its restraint toward neighboring countries, threatening U.S. and allied infrastructure. Tehran rejected temporary ceasefire proposals, maintaining conditions on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran filed a complaint with the UN against President Trump, accusing the U.S. of arming protest groups and violating international law. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are described as entering a decisive phase to mediate the conflict.

Three people were killed, including two attackers, in a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, The Times of Israel reported. Police exchanged fire with armed assailants, killing two and capturing a third. Two officers were injured. Video showed police taking cover as shots were fired. Authorities said the consulate was empty at the time.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, is reportedly incapacitated and receiving medical treatment in Qom after being wounded in the same airstrike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

 Reports indicate severe injuries and limited operational capacity, while Iranian authorities assert he remains in charge.

Preparations for Ali Khamenei’s burial are underway in Qom, amid security concerns.

Regional hostilities continue with Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and Karaj, missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia, and attacks in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

Gulf allies and intelligence agencies have monitored the new leader’s condition, reflecting international focus on Iran’s succession and governance amid ongoing conflict.

Senator Lindsey Graham said negotiations with Iran have reached a “defining moment,” warning that failure to meet U.S. conditions could lead to military action. In a Fox News interview, he called for the removal of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium, restrictions on missiles, and guarantees on the Strait of Hormuz. He said a decision could come within a day. Meanwhile, regional hostilities continue, including Israeli airstrikes in Iran, missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia, and security incidents in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with mediation and a planned UN vote on maritime security measures.