Iran’s mission to the United Nations on Wednesday said it remains open to dialogue “based on mutual respect” but warned that it would “defend and respond like never before” if provoked.
In a post on X, Iran referenced the cost of past US military interventions, saying, “Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives."
It added: “Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—but if pushed, it will defend itself and respond like never before."
The statement came after US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran if it does not agree to negotiate a deal to abandon nuclear weapons, warning that the “next US attack will be far worse.”
Trump’s remarks marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric as Washington increases pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!” he wrote.
Trump also referenced a previous US military operation, warning Tehran against repeating what he described as past mistakes.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the use of military threats as a diplomatic tool, saying negotiations cannot be conducted under coercion.
“Conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran had neither sought talks nor engaged in recent communication with US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
State media reported that Araghchi had not been in contact with US officials in recent days and had not requested negotiations.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with three destroyers, had arrived in the broader Middle East region, although it clarified that the fleet was operating in the Indian Ocean rather than the Arabian Sea bordering Iran.
“Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) perform routine maintenance as the aircraft carrier sails in the Indian Ocean, Jan. 26. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Middle East to promote regional security and stability,” the US Central Command said in a post on X.
Trump said last week that the naval deployment was precautionary. “We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it,” he said.
Iran’s military leadership has responded with strong rhetoric. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has contingency plans for all “enemy scenarios,” while Araghchi warned that Iranian forces have “their fingers on the trigger” to respond immediately to any attack.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said any US strike would be considered the “start of war.”
The standoff comes amid widespread unrest inside Iran, where protests over the government’s crackdown have reportedly left thousands dead. An official in the Iranian president’s office said the names and details of recent protest casualties would soon be made public.
International pressure on Tehran is also mounting. The European Union is expected to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation after France signalled its support for the move.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged internal challenges, saying the government must recognise its own failures rather than blaming foreign powers for the protests.
(With agency inputs)
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