Washington: Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising once again, with Tehran warning that any renewed military confrontation could last longer than the previous conflict. The warning came after US President Donald Trump suggested that American forces still had one or two targets in Iran to strike, including a suspected underground nuclear facility.
Iran has cautioned Washington against assuming that it would control the duration or outcome of another war. The latest exchange of threats has raised concerns about a renewed escalation in the Middle East, even as diplomatic efforts continue to find a way out of the conflict.
Iran’s military spokesperson, Mohammad Akramian, warned that any future confrontation could extend beyond the previous conflict and that the United States might not be able to determine when hostilities would end or on what terms.
His remarks followed Trump’s comments to reporters that the United States had one or two remaining targets in Iran that could be destroyed within minutes.
The conflict began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region, while armed groups linked to Iran became involved in fighting in Lebanon and Yemen.
Trump also suggested that the underground nuclear facility known as ‘Pickaxe Mountain’ should be targeted. The site is suspected of being part of Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. Trump has claimed that American strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, although he maintains that further targets remain.
Trump holds talks with Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump reportedly held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to discuss the possibility of further military action against Iran.
According to media reports citing officials from both countries, the leaders reviewed the progress of diplomatic negotiations and discussed the timing and potential scale of any renewed offensive.
Reports suggested that Netanyahu favoured immediate military action following Tuesday’s US midterm elections, while Trump wanted to allow additional time for negotiations.
An Israeli official reportedly described the conversation as tense, while an American official characterised it as a direct discussion.
Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Netanyahu about Iran but declined to disclose further details.
Iran warns that conflict would have no geographical limits
Iranian military and political leaders have repeatedly warned Washington against launching another offensive.
Following a recent warning from Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi also issued a strong message.
He indicated that any confrontation with the United States would not be restricted by geographical boundaries and would focus on inflicting damage on the opposing side.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained prepared for both diplomacy and defence.
He urged the opposing side to reconsider its position and choose a diplomatic solution rather than risk another military confrontation.
US reportedly seeks to resume negotiations
Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei said on Saturday that US Vice-President JD Vance had sent a letter expressing an interest in restarting negotiations.
Rezaei described the communication as indicating a possible change in Washington’s approach and tone. However, he said Iran had not yet responded to the letter.
He also reiterated Tehran’s position that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened unless its conditions were accepted, adding that Iran was not currently prepared to enter negotiations without addressing its demands.
Iran’s key demands reportedly include the release of Iranian assets frozen overseas, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, the lifting of longstanding economic sanctions and a comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for international energy shipments. Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to pass through the waterway without authorisation.
In response, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, further intensifying the economic and strategic confrontation.
UAE prepares for worst-case scenario
The United Arab Emirates has expressed hope that diplomatic efforts will prevent another war in the Middle East but said it remains prepared for the possibility of further escalation.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said another regional conflict would serve no one’s interests.
Speaking at a conference in Manama, he said the UAE hoped for a diplomatic breakthrough but was making preparations for the worst-case scenario, as it had done previously.
Anxiety grows among Tehran residents
The possibility of renewed military action has increased anxiety among residents of Tehran, Iran’s capital.
With threats of further attacks and uncertainty surrounding diplomatic negotiations, many people are concerned about the prospect of another round of violence.
The continuing uncertainty has left civilians facing renewed fears about their safety and the future of the country.
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