Iran Warns of Immediate Response as US Military Presence Grows in Middle East
Iran on Wednesday issued a sharp warning as the United States expanded its military presence in the Middle East, raising fears of a direct confrontation between the two sides.
Iran Signals Military Readiness
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has its “fingers on the trigger” and stands ready to respond forcefully to any attack. In a post on X, he stated that Iranian armed forces are prepared to counter aggression “immediately and powerfully.”
Araghchi said Iran has drawn lessons from last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel, a war that also involved the United States. He added that those experiences have strengthened Iran’s readiness to respond more decisively in the future.
Analysts Warn of Escalation Risks
Security analysts caution that the current situation carries serious risks. Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, said the possibility of a strong Iranian response should not be dismissed.
Vaez said Iran’s leadership now operates in survival mode, which could increase the likelihood of unpredictable or reckless actions.
Trump Repeats Threat of Military Action
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that US military strikes against Iran could come soon unless Tehran agrees to abandon its nuclear program. Trump has offered different reasons for possible action in recent statements.
Earlier this month, he pledged support for Iranian civilians as anti-government protests spread across the country and authorities responded with a violent crackdown. However, he later said he decided against intervening directly.
Rising Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations report that the unrest has led to thousands of deaths, although official figures remain unclear. The reports have added pressure to an already tense standoff between Washington and Tehran.
As US military forces continue to gather in the region, diplomatic efforts remain limited, and the risk of escalation continues to grow.
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