Iran Warns Renewed War with US Could Last Longer Than Previous Conflict

Iran has warned that any renewed war with the United States could last longer than the previous round of fighting, as tensions rise over the possibility of fresh military strikes.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump would not be able to dictate when or under what conditions a future conflict would end.

His remarks followed Trump's statement that the United States still had one or two targets to deal with in Iran, including a suspected underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. Trump said the targets could be struck within minutes and later warned that Washington might have to give Tehran "the hammer".

US and Israel Consider Next Steps

The warnings came amid diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

According to reports by Axios, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the state of negotiations with Iran during a phone call on Saturday. An Israeli official reportedly said Netanyahu favoured renewed strikes after the US midterm elections, while Trump preferred allowing negotiations to continue.

Trump confirmed speaking with Netanyahu about Iran but declined to provide further details.

Iran Says It Is Ready for War and Diplomacy

Iranian military and political officials have continued issuing warnings against another attack. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said any conflict with the United States would have no geographical limitations.

However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran hoped Washington would choose diplomacy, adding that Iran remained prepared for both negotiations and defence.

Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, also disclosed that he had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive talks. He said he had not yet responded.

Tehran has maintained that negotiations would depend on conditions including the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad, an end to the US naval blockade of its ports, the lifting of sanctions and an end to the conflict on all fronts.

Regional Leaders Fear Further Escalation

United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the region had no interest in another round of fighting, although the country was preparing for the possibility of further escalation.

In Tehran, residents expressed mixed reactions to the growing threats. While some described the situation as worrying, others said they were not afraid of another conflict after decades of tension.

With diplomatic efforts continuing alongside military warnings, uncertainty remains over whether the United States and Iran can reach an agreement or whether the region will face another round of fighting.

AFP