Iran says ready to defend itself if US or Israel attacks, envoy states
Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India stated Iran is prepared to defend itself if the US and Israel initiate fresh escalation, while reiterating a desire for peace and refusing to surrender. The remarks followed a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington evaluated potential military action. Trump claimed US operations have crippled Iran's nuclear programme, leaving only one or two sites that could be eliminated quickly. Iranian Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi warned any attack would meet a decisive response that could spiral into an extended war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Qatari mediators continue on reopening the Strait of Hormuz under Tehran's conditions.