New Delhi. Tension between the two countries has further increased after US President Donald Trump's strict warning regarding Iran in the United Nations General Assembly. Trump even talked about 'destroying' Iran if there is no agreement, in response to which the Iranian armed forces have warned America and Israel of even tougher, destructive and unexpected attacks.
Iranian military command issued joint statement
The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a joint statement on Tuesday. It said that in case of any new attack by America or Israel, Iran is ready to give a more serious and unexpected response than before. Iranian military officials described Trump's UNGA address as a means of 'domestic propaganda'.
The Iranian military command said the US threats would not change its military strategy or assessment of its strength. The statement also said that instead of considering the threats as a sign of America's strength, they should be seen in the context of strategic pressures and difficulties.
Iran also protested against US sanctions. The military statement described the sanctions as an attempt to increase economic pressure on Tehran and said such steps would not succeed in changing Iran's stance.
What did Trump say at UNGA?
Trump took a tough stance on Iran while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. He said that he has a big decision before him – whether to reach an agreement with Iran or to proceed with military action. Trump warned that if no agreement is reached, he may choose to 'annihilate' Iran.
Trump also repeated the accusation of Iran trying to acquire nuclear weapons and said that America will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently rejected these allegations. Trump also appealed to other countries in the United Nations to increase economic pressure on Iran and isolate its economy.
A few hours after the threat, the conversation lasted for three hours.
The dialogue channel between America and Iran also remained active amid statements increasing tension. Trump said that his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with the Iranian delegation for about three hours during the United Nations General Assembly. Trump described the talks as 'very good' and 'very productive'.
From the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Witkoff. According to reports, issues related to war and economic pressure including the Strait of Hormuz were also at the center of discussion in the talks.
That is, on one hand, there is a warning of military action from Washington, while on the other hand, the path of talks through mediators is also open. This contradiction is currently defining the current state of US-Iran relations.
An eye on Pejeshkian's UNGA address
In its statement, the Iranian military command expressed hope that President Massoud Pezeshkian will present the side of the Iranian people and armed forces to the world during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Pejeshkian is currently in New York to attend UNGA.
Now all eyes are on Pejeshkian's address and the ongoing diplomatic contacts between America and Iran. The continuation of talks amid military threats indicates that both confrontation and diplomacy are going on in parallel between the two sides.