Iran Warns: Finger on Trigger Against Attack

Iran has declared it is fully prepared to respond to any potential attack from the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that the nation’s armed forces are on high alert, with “fingers on the trigger,” ready to deliver a decisive response if provoked.

The warning follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who commented on the escalating tension, stating that “time to avoid conflict is rapidly running out.” Shortly after, Iran’s top diplomats reaffirmed their readiness to respond to any US military move.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed the notion of a “limited strike” as a misconception. He stated that any military action by the United States, regardless of scale or source, would be considered a declaration of war. The response, he added, would be “immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented,” targeting key centres, including Tel Aviv, and all supporters of the aggressor.

US-Iran Tensions in Context

Recently, President Trump warned that a “massive US naval armada” is moving toward Iran’s coastal regions and is prepared to execute missions swiftly and forcefully if necessary. In response, Araghchi’s social media post not only highlighted Iran’s defensive readiness but also hinted at a preference for dialogue under conditions free from coercion.

Araghchi emphasised that Iran welcomes agreements based on mutual benefit and equality. Any accord must be free from threats or intimidation and respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology while guaranteeing that no nuclear weapons are acquired. He reiterated, “There is no place for nuclear arms in Tehran’s security policy. We have never sought them.” Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for research and civilian energy purposes, though Western nations remain sceptical of these claims.

Meanwhile, European leaders have expressed concern over Iran’s internal situation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised Tehran for violent suppression of anti-government protests, stating that Iran is “approaching a critical juncture.” France, aligned with Berlin, urged the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. While Canada and the United States have already labelled the IRGC as such, the EU and the UK have yet to follow suit.

The heightened international scrutiny coincides with reports of over 6,200 deaths during anti-government protests, according to human rights organisations, intensifying pressure on Iran and deepening the divide between Tehran and Western nations.