Iran says it will strike back against any U.S. military action
Iran's foreign ministry warned that any U.S. strike on its territory will be met with a retaliatory response, rejecting claims that Washington expects Tehran to stay silent.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that Tehran will retaliate against any U.S. military strike, rejecting rumors that Washington has urged Iran to refrain from responding. He described the notion of a non-response as an illusion and warned that any Iranian response would be at least equal, if not stronger. Baghaei linked Iran's readiness to the continued U.S. naval blockade and to threats in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the country lives with the possibility of attack day and night.
He also said Iran remains prepared for further Israeli aggression and dismissed claims that Tehran had softened its nuclear stance. The remarks referenced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit, ongoing cooperation with Russia and China, and Iran's opposition to an OIC resolution supporting Saudi Arabia against Yemen's Houthis.
Why it matters
Iran's vow to retaliate raises the risk of direct confrontation with the United States and could destabilize the region.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Oil prices jump as US-Iran tensions flare and US troops leave Iraq
- Oct 2 The administration emphasized managing public expectations about a rapid settlement with Iran.
- Oct 5 Pezeshkian argued that three attacks have taken place since talks began, suggesting the U.S. aims to topple Iran. He said the adversary relies on assassination, sanctions and broken promises, making negotiations futile. The conflict started with U.S. and Israeli strikes in February and a June memorandum briefly outlined a resolution before Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz reignited fighting. Recent indirect talks at the UN failed to break the deadlock, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that only a just negotiation, not military force or new sanctions, could end the war.
- Oct 10 According to the Revolutionary Guard, the vessel hit a mine and burst into flames while transiting the Hormuz Strait. The flag of the ship has not been identified. The incident follows a series of recent attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf, including Iran's claim that it shot at a tanker using an "illegal channel." The flare-up has contributed to a rise in global oil prices and renewed worries about the security of one of the world’s key oil transit routes.
- Oct 13 Trump’s Strait of Hormuz announcement and dismissal of Iran’s UN proposal occurred alongside a Brent price jump and the departure of the final U.S. soldiers from Iraq.
- Oct 14 Iran announced a revised method for targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 17 A supertanker hit a sea mine in the strait, triggering a fire.
- Oct 17 President Pezeshkian issued a new statement declaring talks with the United States futile.
- Oct 20 US Central Command said about 400 ships and 100 million barrels of oil still transited the strait.
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