Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating once again, with Tehran warning that any fresh military confrontation could prove more prolonged and difficult to contain, following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to strike remaining Iranian targets.
The warning comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts to prevent another round of hostilities in the Middle East, as Washington and Tel Aviv weigh their next moves while political developments in both countries add pressure to the situation.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, speaking on state television, warned that Tehran would not allow Washington to determine how long another conflict would last or dictate the terms under which it would end.
He stressed that a renewed confrontation could extend beyond the previous round of fighting, signalling Iran’s readiness for a prolonged military engagement if attacked again.
The latest exchange of threats follows Trump’s suggestion that American forces could quickly eliminate what he described as the remaining strategic targets in Iran.
Among the locations mentioned by the US president was Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility believed to be connected to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump has maintained that the outstanding targets could be dealt with through swift military action, while reiterating that Washington retains the option of using overwhelming force against Tehran.
He renewed the warning during a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday, suggesting that the United States could launch another devastating military response against Iran at an unspecified time.
The latest remarks have raised fresh concerns about the possibility of renewed hostilities, particularly following reports of high-level discussions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Axios, the two leaders held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss the state of negotiations with Iran and the possibility of intensifying military operations against the Islamic Republic.
The report, citing American and Israeli officials, indicated that Netanyahu favoured launching fresh strikes immediately after Tuesday’s US midterm elections, while Trump was reportedly more inclined to allow diplomatic negotiations to continue before making a decision.
An Israeli official reportedly characterised the conversation as difficult, while an American source described it as direct, underscoring possible differences over the timing of further military action.
Trump subsequently confirmed that Iran featured in his discussion with Netanyahu but declined to disclose details of their conversation.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of the conflict that erupted on February 28, when American and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets.
Tehran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks across the region, while armed groups aligned with Iran became involved in the fighting in Lebanon and Yemen, widening the conflict beyond its initial frontlines.
With diplomatic negotiations still facing uncertainty and military threats growing louder, Iran’s latest warning signals that any attempt to reignite the conflict could trigger another prolonged confrontation with consequences extending far beyond its borders.
