Iran’s army on Sunday said it was prepared for any fresh US attack and warned that renewed fighting could bring more instability and violence to the region.
The statement came after Tehran again said diplomacy was the only way to resolve its conflict with the United States and Israel. US President Donald Trump, however, said on Saturday that he had rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting.
Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said the country’s armed forces were now better prepared than they were when the conflict began on February 28. He said improvements had been made in equipment, training, morale and overall readiness.
“We are more prepared than ever before,” Akraminia said. He warned that another US attack could lead to greater damage and further instability across the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, said Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz had not changed. He said negotiations remained the only way to break the current deadlock.
Araghchi said Iranian officials were still waiting for mediators to convey Washington’s formal response to Tehran’s proposal. “We are waiting for the mediators to convey the definitive views to us, and we will make a decision based on them,” he said.
Iran’s proposal
Iran had sent its proposal to Washington through Qatari mediators. Under the plan, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened within seven days, while fighting in the region would be paused. Broader negotiations could then follow, including discussions on issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump said he had rejected the proposal, arguing that Iran wanted the strategic waterway reopened immediately while facing pressure from the US.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of tension during the conflict. Shipping through the waterway has fallen sharply, affecting oil supplies through one of the world’s most important maritime routes. The US has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports as part of its pressure campaign against Tehran.
Araghchi has said an agreement over Hormuz could help open the way for wider negotiations. Tehran has maintained that it will not give up what it considers its right to enrich uranium or agree to send its highly enriched uranium out of the country.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also said Tehran is ready for negotiations but would not accept threats or attacks.
The latest statements come as both sides continue to signal different positions — with Iran calling for a negotiated solution while also warning that its military is prepared for a renewed confrontation.