Iran Warns Trump It Will Respond With Maximum Force if War Resumes

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran would respond “in the strongest and most destructive way” if US President Donald Trump returns to war, sharpening Tehran’s warning amid Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. He made the remarks in a meeting in Tehran with Pakistan Army Commander General Asim Munir. Qalibaf said Iran would not compromise on the rights of its people “before us or any side we trust.” He added that Iran is seeking to secure those rights through diplomacy just as it defended the country during the war. During the Tehran meeting, Qalibaf said, “We are trying to secure our rights through diplomacy as we defended our country in war.” The comments reflected Iran’s insistence on combining military deterrence with negotiations. It was also stated that Iran’s armed forces have been rebuilding their capabilities during the ceasefire period. Pakistan is mediating between the United States and Iran with the aim of ending the war and launching talks toward a comprehensive agreement.