Iran on Monday issued a strong warning to the United States, stating that any US military strike, even a so-called limited one, would be treated as a direct act of aggression and would trigger a serious retaliatory response. The statement came after former US President Donald Trump said he was considering a limited strike if diplomatic talks failed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected the idea of a restrained military action. He emphasized that there is no such thing as a limited strike, adding that any attack would be viewed as full aggression under international law. Baqaei said Iran would exercise its inherent right to self defense and respond forcefully to protect its sovereignty.
Trump had earlier told reporters that a limited military option was under consideration if Iran failed to reach an agreement with Washington. His remarks came amid heightened regional tensions and a significant US military build up in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran and the United States recently completed a second round of indirect negotiations in Switzerland, facilitated by Oman. Additional talks are expected to continue later this week, although Washington has not officially confirmed participation.
Iran’s negotiating team is being led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side is represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner.
In an interview aired on Fox News, Witkoff suggested that Trump was puzzled by Iran’s refusal to yield under military pressure. Baqaei dismissed those comments, stating that Iranians have never capitulated throughout their long history.
The situation highlights the fragile state of US Iran relations, as diplomatic efforts continue under the shadow of possible military confrontation.
