A senior Iranian military officer said on Saturday that renewed fighting between the United States and Iran was “likely”, hours after Trump said he was “not satisfied” with a new Iranian negotiating proposal,
raising fears of another escalation in the conflict.
Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior figure in the Iranian military’s central command, said “a renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely”, in quotes published by Iran’s Fars news agency.
He alleged that evidence showed the US was not committed to any promises or agreements. “The actions and statements of US officials are primarily media-driven, aimed first at preventing a drop in oil prices and second at extricating themselves from the mess they have created,” Asadi said.
He further warned that Iran’s armed forces remain on high alert and are ready to respond to any escalation. “The armed forces are fully prepared for any new adventures or foolishness from the Americans,” he added.
Trump ‘Not Satisfied’ With Iran Deal
The remarks came during a critical phase of the stalemate between Iran and the US, as US President Donald Trump said he was “not satisfied” with Tehran’s proposal to end the war and hinted at more strikes.
“So they want to make a deal, but I don’t. I’m not satisfied with it,” Trump told reporters while commenting on the status of negotiations with Tehran. “Iran wants to make a deal because they have no military left, essentially.”
ALSO READ: ‘Iran Wants A Deal, But I’m Not Satisfied’: Trump On Ongoing Talks With Tehran
Trump declined to answer directly on whether he intended to attack Iran to end the current stalemate, but said his options boil down to a major military escalation or striking a deal. “There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal. That’s the options,” he remarked.
According to reports, Iran recently submitted a revised response to a US-backed peace proposal in an attempt to revive talks. However, American officials have suggested the proposal failed to address key US demands, particularly regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that any agreement with Iran must include strict limitations on its nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for peaceful civilian use. The US has also maintained pressure through sanctions and a continuing naval presence in the region.
(with agency inputs)
