Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel, stating that any new military attack against the country will provoke a severe response and potentially spread conflict across a much larger part of the Middle East. Iran’s leadership nevertheless says it remains open to diplomatic solutions despite growing tensions.
Statements from Iran’s military and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi come as Qatar works to mediate renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran. A Qatari delegation has arrived in the Iranian capital to help avert further military clashes, but the outcome of these talks remains uncertain.
Iranian military warns of broader war
The spokesperson of the Iranian army, Mohammad Akraminiya, cautioned on Saturday, October 31, that a new US military strike could trigger a much wider war in the region.
He warned that any conflict would not remain limited to Iranian territory. Akraminiya said that if US President Donald Trump carried out further military operations under Israeli pressure, the consequences would impact a much broader geographical area.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made similar comments, emphasizing that Iranian armed forces are ready to respond decisively to anyone threatening the Iranian population.
These statements further escalate the rhetorical tension between Tehran and Washington. Iran’s leaders are making it clear that any new attack will not go unanswered and the country is prepared to defend itself even at the risk of expanding the conflict.
Qatar seeks to save diplomatic talks
The military threats are unfolding alongside intensive diplomatic efforts. On Friday, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to hold talks with high-level Iranian officials.
Qatar is among the countries facilitating indirect communication between the US and Iran. Other regional states, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, are also joining diplomatic efforts.
The mediators hope to revive talks and prevent the conflict from escalating again after months of fighting. According to diplomatic sources, Qatari negotiators are seeking to achieve a deal before the upcoming US congressional elections on November 3.
However, talks are hindered by the two sides’ differing expectations on what an agreement should include. Washington wants Iran’s nuclear program to be part of any deal, while Tehran insists that issues related to ending the conflict, lifting the US blockade, and easing sanctions must be addressed first.
Letter from J. D. Vance aims to reopen dialogue
US Vice President J. D. Vance is also involved in diplomatic outreach. According to The Wall Street Journal, he sent a letter—on the instructions of President Donald Trump—to senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei.
The aim of this contact is to revive talks and prevent further military escalation. Iran has confirmed receipt of the letter but has yet to announce whether it will issue an official response.
Trump later told reporters that Vance’s contact with Iran was related to medical aid, leaving the nature of the communication open to differing interpretations.
Despite the ambiguity, diplomatic channels reportedly remain open. Contacts through Qatar and other intermediaries may currently be among the few ways to avert the resumption of large-scale fighting.
Hormuz Strait and sanctions remain key obstacles
One of the central issues in negotiations is the future of the Hormuz Strait—a strategic maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and one of the world’s most critical routes for oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Iran has proposed that shipping through the strait could resume within seven days if Washington meets its demands. Tehran’s conditions include ending hostilities, lifting the American blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen financial assets, and easing sanctions on oil exports.
Iran, according to past statements, is also demanding an end to hostile operations on other fronts of the conflict. Washington, meanwhile, wants talks to address Tehran’s nuclear program from the start.
The sequence of steps is a major sticking point: the United States is pushing for progress on the nuclear issue, while Iran prioritizes concessions on sanctions and the blockade.
More details on Tehran’s previous demands and its conditions for ending the war were covered in our article “Iran submits terms to Trump for ending war, awaits his response.”
Trump faces decision between diplomacy and military pressure
US President Donald Trump has not ruled out further military action against Iran, but continues to talk about the possibility of reaching a deal that could end the conflict and resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
Washington continues to pressure Tehran with economic measures. The American blockade of Iranian ports has seriously hampered oil exports, a critical source of revenue for the Iranian economy.
Tehran is thus subject to dual pressure: on one side, the possibility of renewed US or Israeli military strikes, and on the other, the ongoing impact of sanctions and restricted trade on its economy.
According to previous statements, Trump claims that negotiations are progressing. But no final agreement is in place yet. He has ruled out striking Iran before the elections, maintaining that talks are moving forward.
Tehran also prepares military response
According to information released in recent weeks, Iranian officials are preparing scenarios in case the United States resumes large-scale military operations. Military commanders are reportedly considering a broader range of potential targets than in previous attacks.
Sources familiar with planning report that retaliation may not be limited to US assets; facilities in countries supporting US operations or even targets outside the Middle East could be considered.
Iran has also reportedly called on allied armed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq to be ready for a coordinated response if necessary. These are, however, reports from anonymous sources, not an official announcement of a specific military plan.
Such a scenario could have serious consequences for the entire region—threatening American interests, the security of allied countries, and international maritime traffic.
Deal remains possible, but risk of escalation grows
Diplomatic efforts continue, but the opposing demands of Washington and Tehran significantly reduce the chances for a quick resolution. Iran does not want to discuss its nuclear program before sanctions and the blockade are addressed, while the US considers the nuclear issue key to ending the conflict.
The upcoming congressional elections in the US also factor into the situation. The outcome could influence Donald Trump’s domestic political position and room for further military decisions.
Qatar and other regional mediators are trying to make use of what diplomatic space remains. If a compromise cannot be reached, the Middle East may face another round of fighting with repercussions far beyond Iran’s borders.
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Iran says it is open to talks with the US, but demands a serious approach. Tensions around the Hormuz Strait are rising.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
