Iran Warns US of 'More Destructive' Retaliation if Attacks Resume

Tehran — Iran’s chief negotiator has warned of a ‘devastating’ response should US President Donald Trump launch further attacks against the nation. He stated that Tehran has rebuilt its armed forces during the six-week ceasefire period.

“Our armed forces have rebuilt themselves during this ceasefire period in such a way that if Trump commits further foolish acts and restarts the war, it will certainly be more destructive and bitter for the United States than on the first day of the war,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media on Saturday.

Ghalibaf issued the warning following a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Tehran. The meeting represents a diplomatic effort to negotiate an agreement to end the war. Munir, who arrived in Tehran on Friday, has held discussions with Iranian officials. This comes as Trump threatens to end the fragile ceasefire that has halted the conflict since 8 April.

The war broke out after the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on 28 February, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes across the region.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Munir held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi late into the night on Friday. Both parties discussed recent diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation and ending the war, according to the ministry.

The Iranian presidential website also published images of Munir seated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, ahead of a second meeting with Araghchi. State broadcaster IRIB reported that the meeting was expected to involve highly detailed and potentially lengthy legal discussions at the Foreign Ministry. Araghchi also conducted diplomatic calls with counterparts from Turkey, Iraq, and Qatar, according to the state news agency IRNA.