Iran has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump, vowing to deliver an “unforgettable lesson” if the United States carries out strikes against the country. The threat comes amid growing unrest in Iran and mounting U.S. military preparations.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said Monday that Tehran is “not seeking a war but is fully prepared for war” as President Trump continues to weigh a response to the regime’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests. The unrest, which began on December 28 over worsening economic conditions, has escalated into a widespread movement calling for the end of the Iranian regime.
Speaking in Tehran’s Revolution Square, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described Iran as engaged in a “four-front war”: economic, psychological, military — “with the United States and Israel” — and “today a war against terrorists,” referring to the protesters. Flanked by banners reading “Death to Israel, Death to America,” Ghalibaf warned that the Iranian military would respond forcefully if the U.S. launched any strikes.
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The White House, while emphasizing diplomacy as its first option, confirmed Monday that President Trump “would not be afraid to use military force” if necessary. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt noted that Iran is reportedly sending “quite different” messages privately than those it broadcasts publicly.
Reports from Iran indicate a harsh new crackdown, with soldiers reportedly shutting down entire towns and enforcing a close-range “shoot-to-kill” policy. Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed with gunshot victims, and bodies have been seen accumulating outside morgues.
On Sunday, Mr Trump revealed that Iran had requested talks with the U.S., but he cautioned: “We may have to act before a meeting.” He said U.S. forces are reviewing “very strong options,” including cyberattacks and direct military strikes, either by the U.S. or in coordination with Israel.
In addition, Mr Trump announced on Truth Social a 25% tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran, signaling growing economic pressure alongside military threats.
International Reactions
Iran has summoned ambassadors from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy to protest their support for the demonstrators, showing videos of riot damage and demanding foreign governments retract statements backing the protests.
European leaders have condemned the crackdown. UK opposition figure Yvette Cooper called the reprisals against protesters “unacceptable,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Iran’s use of “disproportionate and brutal violence” as “a sign of weakness,” demanding an end to the bloodshed.
The Iranian regime restricted internet access Thursday in an apparent attempt to mask the scale of its crackdown. Activists have reportedly used smuggled Starlink terminals to maintain communications and broadcast developments abroad. The White House confirmed discussions between President Trump and Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran via Starlink satellites.
Israel has reportedly placed its forces on high alert amid the possibility of U.S. intervention. In June, the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile strikes at Israel and an American base in Qatar.
As protests continue to rage and international pressure mounts, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military escalation looming over the region.
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