This warning emerges as President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Tehran does not sign a nuclear agreement
Ebrahim Rezaei—an Iranian lawmaker and spokesperson for Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee—has warned that upcoming discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program will determine whether U.S. soldiers “go to hell or return to America,”
The comment was made as U.S. President Donald Trump intensified threats of military action unless Iran agrees to a deal restricting its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Indirect talks restarted earlier this month with Oman as mediator; a third round is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where Tehran is expected to present a draft agreement. Last week, Trump set a 15-day deadline for the deal and later stated Tehran would face a “very bad day” if it is not reached.
“Thursday’s negotiations are a test for Trump and will decide whether American soldiers go to hell or return to the U.S.,” Rezaei posted on X on Sunday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously said Tehran is prepared for military confrontation if diplomacy collapses and will target U.S. bases if attacked. He rejected demands to halt uranium enrichment, describing Iran’s nuclear program as peaceful and critical for energy security, and stressing its missile program is a “red line” and “strictly non-negotiable.”
Earlier, Reuters reported the Pentagon is preparing for a prolonged, weeks-long campaign against Iranian security and nuclear sites if talks fail.
However, Axios and The Wall Street Journal reported this week that General Daniel Caine—chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and architect of last year’s strikes on Iran—warned officials about risks of a new Tehran campaign, including casualties, strained air defenses, and an overworked force. The Financial Times cited Israeli intelligence officials as saying the U.S. only has capacity for four to five days of intense strikes, or roughly a week at lower intensity.
At a weekly briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said any U.S. strike—regardless of scale—would be treated as “an act of aggression” and met with a “ferocious” response.