Iran has firmly rejected renewed military threats from US President Donald Trump, warning that its armed forces are fully prepared to respond immediately and forcefully to any American attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that the country’s military was on high alert and ready to defend Iran’s land, air and sea against any aggression. Writing on social media, he said Iran had gained “valuable lessons” from last year’s days-long conflict with Israel and the subsequent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to Araghchi, those experiences have strengthened Iran’s ability to respond more quickly, powerfully and effectively to any future attack.
His comments came hours after President Trump revived threats of military action, claiming on social media that a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran and was prepared to act with speed and force if necessary.
Trump again urged Tehran to negotiate a nuclear deal, insisting Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and warning that time was running out, reports Al Jazeera.
Despite repeatedly claiming that US strikes last year had destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said any future attack would be far more severe if Iran failed to agree to a deal.
Tensions have risen again after the US deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, fuelling fears of a possible confrontation. Analysts described the move as a show of force aimed at pressuring Iran into negotiations.
Earlier this month, Araghchi said Iran was ready for war if Washington chose to test it. Although tensions briefly eased after antigovernment protests in Iran subsided, the latest US military moves have reignited concerns across the region.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly for civilian purposes and that it has the right to enrich uranium. Tehran has also said it will not enter negotiations while under military threat.
On Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised the latest US warnings, saying they would only undermine regional security and increase instability.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts appear to be continuing behind the scenes. Araghchi reiterated that Iran remains open to a fair and equitable nuclear agreement free from threats, one that guarantees peaceful nuclear technology without nuclear weapons.
The escalating rhetoric has raised regional alarm, with military drills announced near the Strait of Hormuz and warnings from Iran that neighbouring countries could be treated as hostile if they assist any US attack. Several regional states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have said they will not allow their airspace to be used for strikes on Iran.