On February 21, an Iranian defense official said that the country would not succumb to US financial pressure related to its nuclear program, warning that any potential attack by the US or Israel on Tehran would face "widespread and unlimited response".
The official emphasized that the US is "clearly aware of Iran's ability and determination to respond", and said that President Donald Trump is "gathering time to force Iran to accept its terms by increasing military and political pressure.
“Iran will not get bogged down in a lengthy and ineffective negotiation process. A negotiation where the prospect of lifting sanctions is slim is worthless to Iran,” the official said.
This information was released in the context of escalating tensions between the US and Iran in the past week as negotiations mediated by Oman between officials of the two countries in Geneva (Switzerland) failed to achieve any breakthroughs.
President Trump - who withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2015 backed by the United Nations in his first term - has repeatedly asked Iran to completely end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
On February 19, Mr. Trump even set a deadline of 10 to 15 days for Iran to reach an agreement.
The US has also deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and additional bombers to the Middle East. Many media outlets say that Mr. Trump is considering attacks on Iran.
In response to the increased military presence, Iran conducted emergency live-fire drills, while the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it would target US bases in the area if attacked.
Tehran affirmed that its nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes and sovereign rights. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran will soon submit a draft new proposal, and said that despite prioritizing diplomatic paths, it is still "ready for war".
