Iran has warned that any renewed war with the United States could last longer than the previous round of fighting. This warning comes after US President Donald Trump said he still had to "take care" of more targets in Iran. According to Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, a potential future war could last longer than the previous conflict, and the American president would not be in a position to dictate the timing or conditions of its conclusion.
The previous conflict began on February 28, with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, to which Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region. Iran-aligned armed groups joined the fighting in Lebanon and Yemen. The conflict has been marked by repeated threats from the US and Israel to resume bombardments as they hold crucial elections.
President Trump's suggestion that the US could swiftly strike its remaining targets in Iran was followed by Akraminia's remarks. Trump told reporters at his Florida residence that the US could take care of one or two sites in 10 minutes. He mentioned a suspected underground nuclear complex, referring to it as Pickaxe Mountain.
Top military and political officials in Iran have warned against any new attack. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi echoed a warning issued by Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Mohebbi stated that in a conflict with America, there are no geographical limitations, and a vast theatre has been defined for inflicting damage upon the enemy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope that the other side would exercise rationality and choose diplomacy. Araghchi added that Iran remains prepared for both defence and diplomacy. This statement comes as Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei disclosed that he had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive talks.
Rezaei noted a positive change in tone from the US side but said he had yet to respond. He mentioned that Tehran had previously told Washington that unless its conditions are met, neither would the Strait of Hormuz be reopened nor would there be any negotiations. These conditions include unfreezing Iranian assets abroad, ending the months-long US naval blockade of Iranian ports, lifting longstanding sanctions, and ending the war on all fronts.
The United Arab Emirates has expressed hope that diplomatic exchanges will yield a breakthrough but is preparing for the worst. Diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, Anwar Gargash, told a conference in Manama that the region's interest is not to go through another round of conflict. In Tehran, residents have described a sense of helplessness as threats of renewed fighting mount, with some expressing worry and others seeing no reason to be concerned.
Key points
- Iran warns of prolonged conflict if US strikes
- US and Israel threaten to resume bombardments as crucial elections approach
- Iran remains prepared for both defence and diplomacy, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
