Iran has warned that it would respond swiftly and forcefully to any US military action, while maintaining that it remains open to reaching a new agreement on its nuclear programme.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s forces are on high alert and ready to “powerfully respond” if the United States launches strikes, following President Donald Trump’s warning that time is running out to prevent a confrontation. At the same time, Araghchi echoed Trump’s language in suggesting diplomacy could still ease tensions through a renewed nuclear deal.
“Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL — on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation — which ensures Iran’s rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” Araghchi wrote on X.
He reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position that its nuclear ambitions are limited to civilian and research purposes, adding: “Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them.” Western governments have repeatedly questioned this claim.
Before Trump’s latest comments, Araghchi had warned that “conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful.” However, while his remarks hinted at possible negotiations, other senior figures in Tehran struck a far more confrontational tone.
Ali Shamkani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned that any attack would spark a wider conflict and warned of direct strikes on Israel. “A limited strike is an illusion,” he said on X. “Any military action, from America from any origin and at any level, will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all-out and unprecedented, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor.”
Trump had earlier said a “massive armada” of US naval vessels was moving towards waters near Iran, ready “to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Araghchi again pointed to the possibility of talks, saying: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties.”
Following Trump’s warning, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran’s leadership was at its weakest point in decades, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested the Islamic republic’s “days are numbered” after a deadly crackdown on recent anti-government protests.
Iran is already designated a terrorist entity by the United States and Canada, though not by the EU or the UK. Protests that began in late December peaked in early January, with a rights group reporting more than 6,200 deaths. While Washington has voiced support for protesters, Trump’s recent focus has been squarely on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Last June, the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s 12-day conflict with the Islamic republic, further deepening tensions between Tehran and Washington.
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