Tehran threatens regional consequences while Washington escalates deployments and demands decisive nuclear concessions.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified Monday after Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, warned that any military strike against his country would trigger consequences extending beyond its borders.
Speaking at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Gharibabadi cautioned that aggression would not remain contained and that those who initiate or support such actions would bear responsibility for escalation. He called on nations committed to stability to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
His remarks followed renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has ordered expanded air and naval deployments to the Middle East while demanding that Iran address core concerns surrounding its nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly signaled that failure to reach an agreement could result in decisive action.
Last week, indirect negotiations between Iranian and US representatives were held in Geneva, with Oman serving as mediator. The United States confirmed that talks are set to resume Thursday, keeping diplomatic channels open even as military pressure mounts.
Gharibabadi stated that Iran remains committed to dialogue, emphasizing that negotiations must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international norms rather than coercion. At the same time, he underscored Tehran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty if necessary.
Trump dismissed reports suggesting hesitation within US military leadership regarding potential strikes. In public statements, he rejected claims that limited action was under consideration and warned that failure to secure a deal would carry serious consequences for Iran’s leadership.
He also distinguished between Iran’s ruling establishment and its citizens, expressing sympathy for the Iranian population and highlighting claims by opposition groups of large-scale repression. Trump urged Tehran to negotiate what he described as a fair agreement to prevent further escalation.
The coming days are expected to be critical as diplomacy and deterrence unfold simultaneously. The resumption of talks in Geneva presents an opportunity for de-escalation, yet the parallel military posture signals that Washington is prepared to act if negotiations collapse.
