Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated after a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader warned that any attack on the country would be met with an “immediate and severe response.” The statement from Ali Shamkhani was issued on the social network X, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump in which he threatened to “eradicate” any renewed Iranian nuclear armament.
“The ballistic and defensive capability of Iran is not negotiable nor can it be subject to authorizations. Any aggression will have a severe and immediate response,” said Shamkhani.
Trump’s warning came after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The comments followed reports from Israel suggesting that Iran may be rebuilding its arsenal of ballistic missiles.
“I hope they are not trying to accumulate weapons again, because if they do, we will have no choice but to quickly eradicate that accumulation,” Trump stated from Florida.
In June, the United States conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This action was followed by a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, triggered by Israeli attacks on sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program.
