Iran Vows Retaliation Against Any New War

Iran's Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdollahi, warned on Monday that any new war against the Islamic Republic would result in "fire that reaches everyone." Speaking on Iranian television, Abdollahi stated that Tehran is not waiting for the results of the U.S. Congressional elections, asserting that the American people are looking to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his "lies" during the presidential election. He emphasized that the Iranian armed forces would respond with "force, severity, and painfully" to any U.S. action, regardless of timing or election outcomes. Abdollahi declared that Washington's interests would be targeted "without restriction" if the United States, either alone or at the instigation of "the Israeli occupation," were to target Iran.

In a message to countries hosting U.S. forces in the region, Abdollahi identified American military presence as the "primary factor in destabilizing security and economic problems," stating this situation would persist as long as U.S. forces remained. He also cautioned international organizations, specifically mentioning the International Atomic Energy Agency, against continuing their current approach toward Tehran.

This warning follows a similar statement made on Sunday by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi cautioned that any new attack or aggression against Iran would be met with a more decisive and severe response than before. He outlined Iran's dual approach of diplomacy and "firm" defense of its national security, stressing that while Tehran is fully prepared for a just settlement through diplomatic channels, it is also ready to deliver a "decisive response" to any future military aggression.