Iran Warns New War Could Outlast Previous Conflict

Iran warned the United States on Sunday that renewed hostilities could last longer than the previous conflict, responding to President Donald Trump's threats to strike remaining nuclear sites. Tehran stated Washington would not control the timing or conditions of any future war's end. Trump said Saturday the U.S. could act within ten minutes against one or two remaining sites, referencing the February 28 offensive and a possible "small Epic Fury." Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said a new war could be longer than the previous one, which killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and thousands of civilians during nearly 40 days of Israeli-American bombing before an April ceasefire. The fragile June agreement collapsed in summer, with Iran targeting Washington's regional allies. A lull has held since September, but reports suggest a possible short, intense campaign after Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of immediate, powerful retaliation without geographic limits, while diplomatic efforts continue under Qatari mediation.