Iran has issued a stark warning that any new conflict with the United States could surpass the duration of past confrontations. Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia highlighted that Tehran would dictate its response to any military aggression and not allow Washington to control the timing or terms of such a conflict’s resolution.
Iranian Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi reinforced this stance, asserting that any attack on Iran would provoke a proportionate and decisive reaction. He emphasized that Iran would not permit its adversaries to decide the scale, timing, or consequences of its defensive measures.
Furthermore, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps cautioned that a potential conflict with the United States might not be confined to a specific geographical area, suggesting that its repercussions could extend across a broader region.
Despite these warnings, diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions continue. Iranian negotiators have engaged in discussions with Qatari mediators in Doha for three consecutive days, seeking to advance toward an agreement aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the ongoing talks are focused on maintaining consultations with Qatar and noted that Tehran remains open to pursuing both diplomatic and defensive avenues.
Araghchi confirmed ongoing negotiations over a proposed two-day initiative, although no final agreement has been reached. Meanwhile, concerns persist that hostilities could reignite following the November 3 US midterm elections. While US President Donald Trump has stated that no new attacks on Iran would occur before the vote, he has not ruled out the possibility of further military action afterward, even as he describes negotiations with Tehran as productive.