TEHRAN: A senior Iranian military official has warned that Iran will abandon its policy of pursuing negotiations alongside military restraint if the United States carries out further attacks, signaling the possibility of a more aggressive response.
Major General Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, made the remarks during an interview with Iranian state television. He said that if the United States continued military operations against Iran over the next few days, Tehran could shift from a defensive posture to offensive military operations.
According to Rezaei, Iran would be prepared to “sound the drums of war” and launch broader military action if what he described as U.S. aggression persists. He added that continued attacks on Iranian territory could fundamentally change the course of the conflict.
The senior commander also accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of violating agreements between the two countries, claiming that Iran’s memorandum of understanding with the United States had become “virtually dead” as a result.
Rezaei alleged that several U.S. actions amounted to breaches of previous understandings, including continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, the creation of what he described as an illegal alternative route despite Iran’s legal access through the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on Iranian territory, and the failure to release Iranian assets.
He further claimed that Washington had signed the framework agreement primarily to increase pressure on Iran rather than to pursue genuine diplomacy.
Referring to talks held in Islamabad, Rezaei said the United States had adopted a policy of conducting negotiations while simultaneously pursuing military action. He argued that Iran no longer considers that approach acceptable following what it describes as repeated violations by Washington.
The Iranian commander also alleged that the U.S. military used a ceasefire period to strengthen its military capabilities, while stating that Iran’s armed forces were prepared to respond forcefully to any future attacks.
Separately, Iran’s Armed Forces, in a statement carried by state media, warned that if the United States launched further strikes on Iranian infrastructure, Tehran would target American companies operating in countries that allow U.S. forces to use their territory.
The statements reflect Iran’s official position as reported by its state media. There has been no immediate response from the United States regarding the remarks.
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