Iran Warns U.S. Any Strike Will Be Met with Firm Response

(MENAFN) Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei issued a stark warning Thursday, cautioning that any U.S. military strike against Iran — whatever its size or scope — would be treated as an act of aggression and met with a firm response.

Baghaei delivered the remarks at his weekly press conference in Tehran, stating that should the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations collapse into armed conflict, Iran's military stands prepared around the clock to mount an appropriate defense.

Despite the combative posture, the spokesman underscored that Tehran remains committed to diplomacy. He said Iran is actively shaping its negotiating position and anticipates a new round of talks with Washington within the coming days.

On the pace of negotiations, Baghaei pushed back against the current rhythm of discussions, indicating that Iran favors sustained, continuous dialogue spanning days or weeks rather than talks spaced ten days to two weeks apart. An Iranian news agency quoted the diplomat as saying, "We have no benefit in prolonging the negotiation process."

Delegations from both countries have already conducted two rounds of indirect nuclear talks — first in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and subsequently in Geneva — earlier this month. A further round was expected to convene in Geneva on Thursday.

The renewed diplomatic engagement unfolds against a backdrop of sharply rising U.S.-Iran tensions and a visible U.S. military buildup across the West Asia region.

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