A fresh clash with the United States would be even more protracted than the previous one, Iran said Sunday. The warning occurred following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington still had a few targets to go.
“If a war does break out, it may last longer than the previous one,” said Mohammad Akraminia, the army’s spokesman, on Iranian state television. He went on to say that America’s president could not dictate the time that such a battle would cease and would not be able to determine the conditions that would hold.
These comments coincide with a renewed American and Israeli military provocation threat just as diplomatic talks push on to try to bring the conflict in the Middle East to an end.
Trump Says More Targets Remain
Akraminia’s statement came soon after Trump’s suggesting that the U.S. could move against its few remaining targets in Iran at a very short notice.
Trump told reporters they still need “1 or 2 sites to take care of” but that’s something they can do in 10 minutes.
His comments have further increased tensions over renewing the military action, amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Current War Triggered Regional Retaliation
The previous war started Feb. 28, as a US-Iraeli attack on Iran took place. Armed groups supported by Iran resorted to fighting in Lebanon and Yemen, while Tehran retaliated by launching attacks with missiles and drones in the region.
The new warning from Tehran also underscores concerns about what could happen if the conflict reescalates, and whether negotiations will take place in the coming years or not, all while leaving room for fears of regional instability.