Iran Vows More Decisive Response to Future US or Israeli Attacks

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a stern warning on Monday, declaring that the Islamic Republic would respond “more decisively” to any future attacks by the United States or Israel.

His remarks came after former US President Donald Trump threatened to “wipe out” Iran’s nuclear facilities if Tehran resumed its atomic activities, following a series of US airstrikes last month.

In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi stated:

“If aggression is repeated, we will not hesitate to react in a more decisive manner and in a way that will be IMPOSSIBLE to cover up.”

He further added:

“If there are concerns about the possible diversion of our nuclear programme into non-peaceful purposes, the ‘military option’ proved incapable — but a negotiated solution may work.”

Context of Recent Strikes

The warning follows a wave of US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, which were reportedly damaged after a surprise Israeli bombing campaign aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

• Israel’s airstrikes: Intended to disrupt Iran’s nuclear programme.
• US follow-up: Carried out additional strikes targeting Iranian facilities.
• Iran’s retaliation: Launched missile attacks on Israeli cities and a US base in Qatar during the 12-day conflict.

These developments led to the collapse of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, which had resumed in April.

Trump’s Statement

Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Donald Trump defended his administration’s actions:

“They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it.”

He claimed that previous strikes had already destroyed Iran’s nuclear capability.

Key Sticking Point: Uranium Enrichment

The deadlock between Tehran and Washington centres around uranium enrichment:

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium to 60% — a level close to the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Iran’s Stance on Negotiations

Despite its defiance, Iran has signalled openness to diplomacy. Araghchi stated:

“No one in their right mind would abandon the fruits of tremendous investment in homegrown and peaceful technology just because of foreign bullying.”

The situation remains tense, with the future of Iran’s nuclear programme — and potential renewed talks — hanging in the balance.