Iran's military on Sunday warned that any fresh war with the United States could last longer than the previous conflict, asserting that US President Donald Trump would not be able to determine when or under what conditions the fighting would end. Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia delivered the warning amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington, with both countries exchanging statements over the possibility of further military action. According to Iranian state television, Akraminia said a potential future conflict could extend beyond the duration of the previous round of fighting. He added that the American president would not have the authority to dictate its timing or terms of conclusion. The statement reflected Tehran's position that it would determine the course of its response if the United States launched another attack.
The warning came as Iran's military leadership issued increasingly strong statements about its preparedness for another confrontation. Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi warned that any attack on the country would invite a “proportionate, decisive, and impactful response”. He said those threatening Iran would not be allowed to determine the scope, timing or consequences of its defensive measures. The comments were reported by Iranian state television and came amid concerns that diplomatic efforts to prevent a renewed conflict could fail. Tehran has maintained that it is prepared to respond to further military action, while warning Washington against assuming that another confrontation would follow the same pattern as the previous fighting.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideological arm of Iran's military, also issued a warning about the possible geographical scale of any future conflict. Its spokesperson, Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, referred to a written message issued by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in the country's approach to a potential confrontation. Mohebbi said there would be no geographical limitations in a conflict with the United States and claimed that Iran had identified a wider theatre for inflicting damage on its adversaries. His remarks suggested that Tehran could consider a broader response if hostilities resumed, although he did not provide specific details about possible targets or military operations.
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The latest statements follow a war that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. The attacks killed Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a wider regional confrontation. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting locations across West Asia, including areas hosting US military facilities. Armed groups backed by Iran also became involved in the fighting in Lebanon and Yemen, widening the conflict beyond the immediate confrontation between the countries. The earlier hostilities caused significant regional instability and raised concerns about the security of energy supplies, shipping routes and military installations across the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that American forces had destroyed much of Iran's military and nuclear capabilities but still needed to deal with one or two remaining targets. Speaking to reporters at his Florida residence, Trump referred to a suspected underground nuclear complex known as Pickaxe Mountain and said the United States could strike remaining targets quickly if necessary. He also maintained that negotiations with Tehran were continuing, describing the discussions as progressing but expressing doubts about Iran's reliability. The Iranian government has denied that nuclear work is being conducted at the suspected Pickaxe Mountain site. Trump's comments came as Washington continued to weigh its options over a possible resumption of military operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that Trump had not taken a final decision on whether to launch fresh strikes against Iran. He indicated that Washington remained open to a diplomatic solution while retaining the military capability to act if required. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was reviewing diplomatic proposals conveyed through mediators, including Qatar. The discussions have focused on possible arrangements to end the conflict and address disputes between the two sides, including restrictions affecting Iranian ports and oil exports. Iran's latest military warnings have added to uncertainty surrounding those efforts, as both governments maintain sharply different positions on the conditions required to prevent another round of fighting.
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