Israel National News reports: “Diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran surged on Thursday, just days before pivotal nuclear discussions set to take place in Oman.

The sharp exchange of warnings followed President Donald Trump’s assertion that military action remains a viable option should diplomatic efforts fall short.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that, if military action is required to thwart Iran’s nuclear program, Israel will be involved and even lead the effort.

Asked what his deadline would be for Iran to reach a deal, the President replied, ‘I can’t really be specific, but when you start talks, you know if they’re going along well or not, and I would say the conclusion would be when I think they’re not going along well.’

Iran responded with a stern warning on Thursday, suggesting it could eject United Nations nuclear inspectors from the country if what it called ‘external threats’ persist.

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, a top aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaled the possibility of drastic countermeasures if the upcoming talks do not yield favorable results for Tehran…”