Tehran has warned no nation would “dare” attack Iran as the US prepares to significantly bolster its forces in the region amid rising tensions. The US is sending a second aircraft carrier group to the region with Washington increasing its airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi responded by sending a warning over his country’s capabilities, explaining their advanced military might acts as a deterrent. “Our enemies are well aware of the consequences of any aggression against our territory,” he said, according to Newsweek. The minister also said Iran will not enter “any direct negotiations” with the US after President Donald Trump sent a letter proposing talks on a new nuclear deal.
However, he added a path for “indirect negotiations is open”.
An Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander has also stressed the need to be combat ready, describing readiness and capability as the “priority” in an interview with an Iranian news agency.
Alireza Tangsiri also said work is ongoing to integrate Artificial Intelligence into weaponry.
Overnight, the US launched airstrikes on Houthi rebels in sites across Yemen – the 10th consecutive day of strikes as part of a campaign by the White House to put pressure on Iran.
The campaign targeting the rebels began on March 15 after the Houthis threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip.
However, the rebels in the past have had a loose definition of what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning other vessels could be targeted as well.
The Trump administration is facing calls for an investigation after a journalist from The Atlantic was accidentally included in a group chat where members of the US President’s top team discussed sensitive plans to strike the Houthis earlier this month.
The group chat reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.