World
Iran Warns of ‘Hell’ if U.S. Escalates Conflict
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned on X that Tehran would “rain down hell” if the United States resumes attacks, issuing an ultimatum to end the eight‑month war. He said, “Our 2‑day proposal stands: meet the requirements, including end to war on all fronts, and you will see results. Or choose war, and see our alert and battle‑hardened warriors rain down hell.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that renewed strikes on Iran are “highly unlikely” if negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz progress. In a phone interview reported by CNN, Trump said the U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and would strike if necessary, noting that three aircraft carriers are stationed in the region and that the U.S. could destroy 38 bridges in Iran in “literally one hour.” He added that the U.S. would continue to hit Iran “really hard” if a strong agreement is not signed.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also quoted Araghchi saying Iran would “not go easy on American targets” in the region. Araghchi’s remarks followed reports that an oil tanker had caught fire after striking a naval mine east of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran’s navy claiming the ship’s identification systems were off and it was traveling in a no‑go zone.
An adviser to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force, Brigadier‑General Ali Belali, echoed the foreign minister’s threat, saying weapons have been “secured for years to come” and that the armed forces are ready. He warned that if the enemy makes a mistake, Iran’s response would be “devastating and severe,” noting that capabilities have been upgraded in the post‑Ramadan War period.
The standoff follows U.S. midterm elections in which the Democratic Party gained control of both chambers of Congress, a development Araghchi said has delayed negotiations. He added that it will take time for the atmosphere to become conducive to mediators resuming visits and that Iran must wait.
Frequently asked questions
What ultimatum did Iran’s foreign minister issue on X?
He warned that Tehran would "rain down hell" if the U.S. resumes attacks, offering a two‑day proposal to end the eight‑month war.
What did President Trump say about U.S. strikes on Iran?
He said renewed strikes are "highly unlikely" if negotiations progress, but that U.S. forces are "locked and loaded" and could strike if necessary, noting three aircraft carriers are stationed in the region and could destroy 38 bridges in Iran in "literally one hour."
What incident involving an oil tanker was reported?
An oil tanker caught fire after striking a naval mine east of the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s navy said the ship’s identification systems were off and it was traveling in a no‑go zone.