Iran Warns of Wider Consequences if Attacked by the United States
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned of a wider escalation should his country come under attack, following increased threats of military strikes from United States President Donald Trump.
Trump has ordered a massive deployment of air and naval forces to the Middle East and threatened to strike Iran if the country fails to reach an agreement on key issues, beginning with its nuclear programme.
“We call upon all nations committed to peace and justice to take meaningful steps to prevent further escalation,” Gharibabadi said at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
“The consequences of any new aggression will not be limited to one country — and the responsibility will lie with those who initiate or support such actions,” he warned.
Iranian and US negotiators held indirect talks mediated by Oman in Geneva last week regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme. Washington said on Monday (23/2) local time that nuclear negotiations with Iran would resume on Thursday (26/2), with Oman confirming the talks would again take place in Geneva.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective path towards de-escalation and lasting security,” Gharibabadi said in his statement.
“The recent diplomatic engagement in Geneva, which will continue this Thursday (26/2), demonstrates that there is a renewed opportunity for negotiations to address differences and build trust — provided these negotiations uphold mutual respect, fair treatment, and the non-selective application of international norms,” he added.
“Any sustainable and credible negotiation must respect the legitimate rights of all nations under international law and deliver tangible security benefits without coercion, unilateral demands, or threats of violence,” Gharibabadi stated.
The US and Israel have threatened further military action against Iran following the deaths of thousands in Tehran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.
Gharibabadi said that whilst Iran was pursuing a diplomatic path, his country was prepared to defend its sovereignty, territory, and people. He also affirmed that Tehran would exercise its right to self-defence “if necessary”.
Trump acknowledged last week that he was considering limited strikes should Iran fail to reach a deal in negotiations with the US.
On Monday (23/2), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned the US that any attack, even a limited one, “would be considered an act of aggression” and would be met with a “ferocious” response.
“And any country would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right to self-defence ferociously, so that is what we will do,” Baghaei said at a press conference in Tehran.