Iran Warns of Decisive Response to US Military Aggression Amidst Escalating Tensions

Tehran has informed the United Nations that it will consider bases, facilities, and assets of any “hostile force” in the region as legitimate targets if it faces military aggression from the United States. This warning comes after President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran, demanding a “meaningful deal” within the next 10 to 15 days, and deploying additional military hardware to the Middle East.

Escalating Rhetoric and Military Buildup

The escalating tensions stem from ongoing negotiations regarding a potential nuclear peace agreement. Talks began in April 2025, following a letter from President Trump to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei [1]. Trump initially set a 60-day deadline for a deal, but after it passed without an agreement, Israel launched an attack on Iran, igniting a full-scale war between the two countries [1].

The current round of negotiations, the second round, began on February 6, 2026, and is being mediated by Oman [1]. Key participants in the talks include U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other high-ranking officials from both countries [1].

Alongside the diplomatic efforts, the U.S. Has been increasing its military presence in the region, deploying warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft [2]. Trump has warned that “bad things happen” if a deal is not reached, and suggested he “may have to take it a step further” [2].

Iran’s Response to US Threats

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran stated that Trump’s rhetoric “signals a real risk of military aggression” and emphasized that Tehran does not seek war [2]. However, the letter clearly states that Iran will respond “decisively” if subjected to military aggression [2].

Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called on the UN Security Council and Guterres to act, specifically citing Trump’s threat to utilize an airfield in the Chagos Islands as a potential launchpad for an attack on Iran [3]. Iravani emphasized that Iran “neither seeks tension nor war and will not initiate any war” but reserves the right to retaliate against any attack [3].

Negotiation Participants

The negotiations involve key figures from both the United States and Iran:

• United States: Steve Witkoff (Special Envoy), Michael Anton (Director of Policy Planning), Brad Cooper (CENTCOM commander), Jared Kushner (Presidential Advisor) [1]
• Iran: Abbas Araghchi (Foreign Minister), Majid Takht-Ravanchi (Deputy Foreign Minister), Ali Larijani (Supreme National Security Council) [1]

Looking Ahead

With the 10-to-15-day deadline set by President Trump approaching, the situation remains highly volatile. The outcome of the current negotiations will be critical in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be reached or if the region will face further escalation. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a diplomatic solution to avoid a potentially devastating conflict.