Iran has warned that any renewed conflict with the United States could be more prolonged than previous confrontations, following recent comments from President Donald Trump indicating the U.S. still plans to target remaining sites within Iran. The warnings come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions that have escalated into a broader Middle East conflict.
The current hostilities began on February 28 with coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, while Iran-backed armed groups engaged in fighting in Lebanon and Yemen. Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that a future war “could last longer than previous conflict,” adding that the timing and conditions of its end would not be controlled by the U.S. president.
Trump, speaking from his Florida residence, indicated that one or two sites remain to be struck, referencing “Pickaxe Mountain,” an underground facility suspected of being part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He asserted these strikes could be executed swiftly, within minutes.
Top Iranian military officials have issued stern warnings against further attacks. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi reiterated a message from Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasizing that any conflict with the U.S. would have no geographical boundaries, describing a “vast theatre” for retaliatory actions.
At the same time, Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei disclosed that he had received a letter from U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance proposing to resume diplomatic talks. Rezaei noted a positive shift in the U.S. tone but had yet to respond formally. Tehran’s stated conditions for reopening negotiations include the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad, ending the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, lifting longstanding sanctions, and ceasing hostilities on all fronts. Control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, remains a point of contention, with Iran asserting control and the U.S. maintaining a counter-blockade.
Public sentiment in Tehran reflects a mix of concern and resignation. Some citizens express worry over the threat of renewed conflict, while others adopt a more stoic attitude, referencing Iran’s decades-long experience with war.
Regional responses acknowledge the precarious situation. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, expressed hope for a diplomatic breakthrough during comments at a conference in Manama but noted preparations for the possibility of further conflict. He stated that another round of violence is not in the interest of the region but acknowledged the need for readiness in case of escalation.