Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States against launching fresh military strikes, threatening immediate, wide-ranging retaliation with no geographic limits.
State media reported that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei instructed armed forces to update target lists of US and Israeli assets following renewed threats from Washington. Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia cautioned that any new conflict could last longer than previous fighting, adding that Washington would not be in a position to dictate the timing or conditions of its conclusion.
The warnings come after US President Donald Trump stated that the US could target remaining Iranian nuclear sites—specifically referencing the underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain—within 10 minutes. While Trump reiterated that Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons, he expressed scepticism over Tehran’s reliability in diplomatic negotiations.
A previous 60-day ceasefire and negotiation framework, mediated by regional allies, unravelled over core disagreements surrounding Strait of Hormuz navigation and nuclear development.
Amid escalating rhetoric, Gulf nations expressed mounting concern over potential regional fallout. UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash called for a political off-ramp, emphasising extensive diplomatic efforts to avert further military escalation.
