Iran has pledged to respond to any form of military action from the US with the use of force. The country’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that the military has “their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression”. He added that Tehran has learned “valuable lessons” from the war with Israel last June, which lasted just 12 days.

Araghchi also addressed a potential nuclear deal, which would be accepted if it’s “mutually beneficial, fair and equitable”. His comments on social media echo the sentiment of an adviser to the supreme leader, who said that any US strike on the country would mean “the beginning of a war”.

Ali Shamkhani wrote on X: “A limited strike is an illusion. Any military action by the United States, from any location and at any level, will be considered the beginning of a war, and the response will be immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented – targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor.”

Last week, an Iranian official told Reuters that any attack on the country would mean “all-out war”.

This latest escalation comes after Donald Trump warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons or “the next attack will be worse.” He said US ships are heading to the country amid fears he could launch an attack.

The US president wrote on Turth Social: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!

“As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again.”

Tensions have continued to rise as the US steps up its military presence in the Middle East, with the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and supporting vessels already moving into the region.

Iran, however, has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons.

Araghchi has insisted negotiations cannot take place “alongside threats”, saying talks were only possible when there were no “menaces and excessive demands”.

Earlier this month, he warned that Iran was prepared for war if the US chose to “test” it.