Tehran Warns of Retaliation Over Military Threats
Iran’s army chief, Amir Hatami, issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel on Saturday. He said Iran’s forces were on high alert after Washington increased military deployments in the Gulf region. Hatami’s statement comes amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing protests in the country.
Hatami said that any attack on Iran would endanger not only the attacker’s security but also regional stability. He emphasized that the security of the “Zionist regime” would also be at risk if the US or Israel made a mistake. His remarks were reported by the official IRNA news agency. He stressed that Iran’s armed forces were at full defensive and military readiness.
The warning followed the US deployment of a naval strike group to the Middle East. The group is led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The deployment came after US President Donald Trump threatened military action following a deadly crackdown on protests in Iran. The move raised fears of a direct confrontation between Iran and the US.
Nuclear Expertise “Cannot Be Eliminated,” Hatami Says
Hatami also insisted that Iran’s nuclear knowledge could not be wiped out. He stated that Iran’s nuclear technology would survive even if scientists and citizens were killed. His comments came after Trump suggested that Iran might seek a deal to avoid US strikes.
The US previously carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. At that time, the US briefly joined Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran. Israeli attacks also targeted Iranian military sites and killed senior officers and nuclear scientists. Despite these actions, Iran maintains that its nuclear expertise remains intact.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready for nuclear talks. However, he made it clear that Iran’s missile and defense systems are non-negotiable. Tehran insists that its defensive capabilities are essential and will not be part of any negotiations.
Regional Tensions Rise with Military Drills and EU Designation
Tensions further escalated when the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a two-day live-fire naval exercise by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a strategic route for global energy shipments. CENTCOM warned the IRGC against unsafe or unprofessional behavior near US forces.
The US designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019. On Thursday, the European Union followed suit. Iran reacted angrily to the EU decision and vowed to respond. The move deepened diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Western powers.
The growing standoff has raised concerns about a potential military clash. Iran has warned that any attack would trigger missile strikes on US bases, ships, and allies, especially Israel. The region remains tense as both sides prepare for possible escalation.
