Tensions between the US and Iran have reached a boiling point after Tehran categorically rejected President Donald Trump’s threat of a ‘limited strike,’ vowing to treat it as a major act of war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei’s comments signal that Iran is prepared to hit back hard, refusing to draw distinctions in enemy attacks.
Baghaei fielded questions in Tehran’s daily briefing, directly countering Trump’s Friday remarks. The President indicated he was contemplating limited military action absent a deal. ‘I think I’m considering it,’ he said briefly.
Dismissing the terminology, Baghaei declared, ‘A limited strike is a myth. It’s aggression, full stop, and we’ll respond under our self-defense rights.’ This firm position aims to deter any US adventurism while talks persist.
Diplomacy persists tenuously. The second round of Oman-brokered indirect talks concluded Tuesday in Switzerland. Iran and Oman greenlit future sessions; the US stayed mum. Thursday looms as a potential date for more.
With armed forces on standby, Baghaei stressed vigilance. ‘We’re tracking all moves alongside diplomacy. Deceptive talks will prompt appropriate countermeasures,’ he warned, blending caution with confrontation readiness.
Abbas Araghchi steers Iran’s efforts, matched by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff’s Fox News interview stoked fires, pondering Iran’s nuclear defiance amid US might.
Baghaei brushed it off coolly. ‘Not our first rodeo with conflicting narratives. Iranians will assess both sides’ negotiation styles. Assumptions doom talks to failure,’ he remarked, advocating merit-based engagement over bluster.