Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, spokesperson for the Iranian army, stated on 29/1 that Iran's response to any US action would be decisive and immediate, unlike the limited reaction seen in 6/2025 when Washington's aircraft and missiles participated in an Israeli airstrike targeting Iran.
Akraminia asserted that US aircraft carriers possess "serious weaknesses", and numerous Washington bases in the Persian Gulf are "within range of Iranian medium-range missiles".
"If the Americans make such a miscalculation, things will certainly not unfold as President Donald Trump envisions, launching a swift operation and two hours later announcing on X that the operation has ended", Akraminia warned.
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The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in San Diego, California in 11/2025. Photo: Reuters
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref also stated on 29/1 that the nation must be prepared for a state of war.
"Our strategy is never to initiate war, but if others provoke it, we will defend ourselves", he stated, adding that Iran is "ready" to negotiate with the US but "this time we want guarantees".
A Gulf official, representing nations hosting US military bases, noted that concerns about a Washington attack on Iran are "very clear".
"Such a move would plunge the region into chaos, harm economies both regionally and in the US, and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket", the official added.
The US deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East earlier this week, amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. President Donald Trump stated on 27/1 that Iran was running out of time to negotiate a fair and reasonable nuclear deal, following Tehran's declaration that it would not negotiate while under threat.
The European Union (EU) intensified pressure on Tehran on 29/1 by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, citing its response to recent protests. The Iranian army condemned the EU's "irrational, irresponsible, and malicious action", accusing the bloc of "submitting" to the US and Israel.
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Position of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group. Graphic: IEJ Media
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran issue are ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara on 29/1. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged nuclear negotiations to "avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region".
Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also held a phone call, discussing "ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and establish stability".
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
