Iran’s defense minister warned that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to deliver a “harsh” and “regret-inducing” response to any future Israeli or Western “adventurism,” Iranian media reported.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Why It Matters
Iran’s military threats highlighting fears of renewed escalation as tensions remain high over its nuclear program following Israeli and U.S. strikes in a 12-day conflict and with little sign of renewed diplomacy despite optimism voiced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
What To Know
Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said the Armed Forces were fully prepared to deliver a harsh response to any further reckless action by Israel or its Western backers, according to the semi-state ISNA news agency
He said the Israeli attack at a time of ongoing talks with the U.S. and Europe was proof of what he called the “collective West’s untrustworthiness,” in separate phone calls with his Venezuelan and Armenian counterparts, ISNA added.
The Iranian army previously warned of having missile stockpiles to be used in retaliatory attacks. Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and said it will pursue nuclear enrichment for civilian purposes. It denies seeking nuclear weapons despite enriching uranium close to the level needed to build them.
During the conflict, Israel disrupted parts of Iran’s air defense network, while the U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers to attack targets inside Iram.
What People Are Saying
Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, quoted by Press TV: “The Iranian Armed Forces’ decisive strike against the Zionist regime’s aggression led to [the regime’s] request for a ceasefire.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in meting U.S. officials Wednesday: “I think everybody in the Middle East took note of American resolve and the strength of our alliance. I think it was, frankly, it was like the roar of two lions, and it was heard around the world.”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Netanyahu during the meeting: “President Trump was very clear after 60 days he gave them every opportunity, and then operation rising line took place and the skill of your professionals uh what was accomplished as absolutely incredible.”
What Happens Next
Mediators are pushing efforts for diplomatic talks to resume, but in the absence of those there is the possibility of renews conflict, particularly if Israel believes Iran is pressing forward with its nuclear program.
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