Iran’s deputy foreign minister declared Thursday that Tehran seeks to guarantee it will not face another imposed war, even as military and political tensions with the United States and Israel continue to escalate. The statement comes amid an expanding regional conflict that has drawn multiple countries into active hostilities.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told AFP in Tehran: “We want to ensure that war is not imposed on Iran again.” His comments reflect Iranian determination to prevent a repeat of the current military campaign that began in late February and has already reshaped Middle Eastern politics.
The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expanded far beyond initial military operations, affecting shipping routes, global energy prices, and regional stability across the Middle East.
Iran Rejects Ceasefire Without Comprehensive Peace Framework
Previous Agreements Broken, Iran Says
Takht-Ravanchi outlined Iran’s grievances with the current conflict’s origins, stating that a previous round of fighting began in June with a ceasefire after just 12 days. He criticized the United States and Israel for regrouping and restarting hostilities eight or nine months later.
“We do not want to be treated this way again in the future,” the Iranian official emphasized, signaling Tehran’s demand for a durable resolution rather than temporary truces that could be broken.
The deputy foreign minister revealed that Iran had previously warned neighboring countries about its response to American aggression. “Before the war began, on different occasions, we informed our neighbors that if America engages in aggression against Iran, all American assets and all American bases will be legitimate targets for Iran,” he stated.
Ceasefire Conditions
In discussing potential peace negotiations, Takht-Ravanchi indicated that Iran would only accept a ceasefire as part of a comprehensive framework to end the war entirely, not as an isolated measure that could collapse.
Some “friendly countries” have contacted Iran about ending the conflict, though the official did not specify which nations. He said Iran would tell them: “We want a ceasefire to be part of a comprehensive formula for ending the war completely.”
Iran Dismisses Existential Threat Claims
Netanyahu’s Collapse Predictions Failed
Responding to claims that the US-Israeli war threatens the Islamic Republic’s survival, Takht-Ravanchi declared: “We have moved beyond that stage.” He noted that Americans and Israelis believed the Iranian system would collapse within 24 or 48 hours, but this has not materialized.
“The enemy recognizes that this system is strong enough to endure,” the Iranian official asserted, signaling confidence in Iran’s institutional resilience despite ongoing military pressure.
Larijani: Iran Will Not Retreat Until US Regrets “Grave Miscalculation”
Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, escalated rhetoric Thursday with a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump’s strategy. Writing on social media platform X, Larijani stated: “President Trump says he seeks a swift victory. But if starting a war is easy, winning it is impossible with a few tweets.”
Larijani continued: “We will not relent until we make you regret this grave miscalculation,” signaling Iran’s commitment to sustained military resistance regardless of initial American advantages.
His statement contradicts Trump’s claims of rapid military success and suggests Iran intends to prolong the conflict rather than seek early settlement.
Netanyahu Claims Military Dominance, Dismisses New Iranian Leadership
“New Leader Cannot Appear Publicly,” Netanyahu Says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Thursday that Iran’s newly designated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei “cannot appear publicly,” following Tehran’s release of its first official statement attributed to the late supreme leader’s son, which was broadcast on state television.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated: “We eliminated the previous tyrant, and the new tyrant, a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, cannot appear publicly.” His comments attempted to portray Iran’s new leadership as weakened and controlled by military factions.
War Aims at Regime Change
Netanyahu asserted that the joint US-Israeli military campaign aims to enable Iranians to “overthrow the regime,” framing the conflict as an opportunity for internal political transformation rather than simply military conflict.
The Israeli prime minister repeatedly claimed that the military campaign is “crushing” both Iran and Hezbollah, declaring: “We are crushing Iran and Hezbollah.” These assertions contrast with Iranian claims of sustained capability and willingness to continue fighting.
Disputed Claims Over Strait of Hormuz and Mine-Laying Operations
Trump Claims Mine-Laying Campaign
US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the American military has struck 28 Iranian vessels involved in mine-laying operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil normally passes.
However, Takht-Ravanchi denied Iran is mining the strategic waterway. “In our regional waters in the southern area near the Persian Gulf, we are taking precautionary measures to be prepared to defend our waters and our country,” he said, without elaborating on specifics.
Iran Allows Selective Passage
The Iranian deputy foreign minister indicated that Tehran has allowed vessels from various countries to transit the Strait of Hormuz. “Some countries have already spoken to us about crossing the strait, and we have cooperated with them,” he stated, declining to name which nations received such access.
However, Takht-Ravanchi made clear that Iran views countries joining the US-Israeli offensive as ineligible for safe passage. “We consider countries that have joined the aggression should not benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” he declared.
Global Energy Crisis and Economic Shock
Largest Oil Supply Disruption in History
The conflict has triggered what the International Energy Agency warns is the largest oil supply disruption in history. Oil prices have surged to more than $100 per barrel, reflecting market fears about prolonged supply interruptions.
Shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly halted in recent days following attacks on vessels. The disruption threatens global energy supplies and economic stability, with repercussions extending far beyond the Middle East.
Iran’s Energy Infrastructure at Risk
Iran has threatened to “ignite oil and gas across the region” if its energy infrastructure is attacked, warning of catastrophic consequences for global energy markets should Israel or the United States target Iranian petroleum facilities.
This threat underscores how the conflict poses risks not only to regional stability but to global economic systems dependent on Middle Eastern energy supplies.
Oman’s Mediation Efforts and Diplomatic Channels
Oman, which has historically served as a neutral broker between Iran and the West, reported “significant progress” in negotiations it has mediated between Washington and Tehran, following three previous rounds of talks.
US-Israeli strikes began just two days before scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran were set to commence, suggesting the military operations were timed to disrupt diplomatic efforts or to strengthen negotiating positions.
Conclusion
The escalating rhetoric from both Iranian and Israeli leadership reflects deepening entrenchment in military conflict with no immediate diplomatic resolution in sight. While Iran emphasizes resistance and deterrence, Israeli and American officials claim military superiority. The reality of the conflict remains far more complex, with global energy markets, regional stability, and humanitarian consequences hanging in the balance as both sides show no willingness to compromise in the near term.
