President Masoud Pezeshkian: After Trump’s ultimatum reply, Iran is ready to defend its territory from the United States
US: In what seems to be a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for a new nuclear agreement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that his country is prepared to defend itself against any assault.
Amid stalling discussions over Tehran‘s nuclear program and Trump’s warning that military action is still a possibility if a deal isn’t struck by his deadline, tensions between the United States and Iran are rising.
In the already dangerous Middle East, where a U.S. military campaign against the Houthi insurgents in Yemen is being led by an American aircraft carrier strike group, the protracted impasse increases the likelihood of direct war between the United States and Iran.
Pezeshkian called Trump supporter Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and said, “We do not seek war with any country, but we have no hesitation in defending ourselves, and our readiness and capability in this regard are at the highest level,” Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported Friday.
Trump said on Sunday that if Tehran’s authorities do not negotiate with Washington to curtail its nuclear program, the United States would attack the country militarily. “It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” he said. ”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning on Tuesday, saying that Iran will react “swiftly and decisively to any aggression against its sovereignty and national interests.”
In the Indian Ocean, the United States has increased its presence at the joint British-American navy and air force station on Diego Garcia. The United States is sending military and political messages to Tehran with the expansion of its troops in the Middle East and the continuous bombings against the Houthis, who are supported by Iran.
Tehran has flatly refused any direct discussions with Washington, claiming that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian reasons, despite Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign to curb Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
Through cooperative naval drills with China and Russia in the Persian Gulf, Iran has strengthened its own military capabilities and shown high-level political support. By revealing “missile cities” and testing missiles, it has shown hard might.
Russia, however, has emphasized the significance of diplomatic solutions by warning that any foreign threats to destroy Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure would have serious regional repercussions.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to engage and negotiate to resolve some tensions, based on mutual interests and respect,” said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an IRNA readout. Although we have no qualms about defending ourselves, we do not desire conflict with any nation, and we are well prepared and capable in this area.”
“Neither side wants war, and both sides seem to treat this as a prelude to negotiations,” said Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. However, this escalating rhetoric may trap both sides in a battle neither wants unless they embrace reasonable negotiation stances and abandon maximalist methods.
The future of hostilities between the United States and Iran is uncertain. In addition to destabilizing the Middle East, a full-scale military conflict would have a direct effect on U.S. foreign policy during Trump’s second term in office.
