Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, with Tehran warning that it is fully prepared to defend itself against potential military strikes. The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to launch a “far worse” attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities than the one carried out last summer. Trump has also announced that a “massive armada” of US warships is closing in on Iran, urging the country to “make a deal” on its nuclear program.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that the country will give an “appropriate response, not a proportionate one” if the US launches an attack. He warned that US bases in the region, as well as Israel, could be targeted in the event of a conflict. Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran’s main priority is to be “200 percent ready to defend itself,” and that the country is not currently engaged in talks with the US.
The Iranian permanent mission to the United Nations responded to Trump’s threats by stating that the country stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests, but will defend itself if necessary. The mission also highlighted the significant financial and human costs incurred by the US in its previous military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US has recently deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by three destroyers armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, to the Middle East. Additional military assets, including F-35C and F/A-18 fighter jets, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, Patriot missile batteries, and THAAD air defense systems, have also been moved to the region.
Iran has repeatedly cautioned the US against making “any miscalculations,” with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating that it is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger” to defend the country. The IRGC has promised “painful” consequences for any aggression from the US or Israel.
The current tensions between the US and Iran have significant implications for regional and global security. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts will prevail or if the conflict will escalate further.
