Tehran has stated it is readying its defenses against a US naval “armada.”
Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s call to “make a deal,” asserting it is “200 percent” prepared to protect itself from any potential US military action. Trump has warned Tehran of an assault “far worse” than the one targeting its nuclear sites last summer.
In a Wednesday post on Truth Social, Trump cautioned that a “massive armada” is approaching Iran and is prepared “to fulfil its mission with speed and violence.” He demanded Iran “make a deal” concerning its nuclear program, threatening that otherwise “the next attack will be far worse.”
If the US attacks first, Iran will deliver an “appropriate response, not a proportionate one,” Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi informed reporters. He indicated such a retaliation could aim at US regional bases and cautioned that Israel might also incur damage.
Gharibabadi added that Iran is not negotiating with the US, and its “main priority is to be 200 percent ready to defend itself.”
Iran’s UN mission issued a more direct rebuttal. “Last time the US blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives,” it posted on X.
“Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests – BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!” the message continued, mimicking Trump’s characteristic online style.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln reached the Middle East this week, escorted by three Tomahawk missile-equipped destroyers. Alongside the F-35C and F/A-18 jets on the carrier, the US has also recently deployed F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, Patriot missile batteries, and THAAD air defense systems to the area.
Iran has frequently warned Trump against “any miscalculations.” This past weekend, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger” to protect the nation and vowed “painful” repercussions for any US or Israeli aggression.