Iran has warned that any renewed conflict with the United States could last longer than the previous round of fighting, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks about striking additional targets in the country.
Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said Washington would not be able to dictate the timing or conditions for ending a future war.
Trump said the US had a few remaining targets to address, including a suspected underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. Reports also indicated that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of renewed military action.
Iranian officials have warned of retaliation across a wider geographical area while expressing willingness to pursue diplomacy.
Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei said he had received a message from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive negotiations. Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, the unfreezing of overseas assets and an end to the naval blockade and fighting.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said it hoped diplomatic efforts would succeed but remained prepared for further escalation.
The tensions come amid uncertainty over negotiations and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route.
