Agencies | Tehran:
Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States, threatening “devastating strikes” against American warships operating in the Middle East and declaring that any enemy forces attempting a ground invasion would face a “killing ground”.
The warning comes amid heightened military tensions in the region, even as diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran and regional mediators continue to explore a possible path towards de-escalation.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has described negotiations with Iran as “going fine”, but said he was “not in that much of a hurry” to reach a peace agreement, signalling that Washington was not under immediate pressure to conclude a deal.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that discussions with Qatari mediators are continuing over a possible arrangement to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided the United States cooperates.
The waterway is a critical route for global energy supplies, and any disruption to shipping through the strait has significant implications for international trade and oil markets.
Adding to signs of a possible diplomatic opening, Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei said a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance had changed Washington’s tone “completely”, describing the communication as a “very positive sign”.
The latest developments highlight the contrasting signals emerging from both sides: while Tehran is maintaining a tough military posture and warning against any ground offensive, diplomatic contacts appear to be continuing through regional channels.
Whether these exchanges can translate into a broader understanding remains uncertain, with the future of the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of further military escalation at the centre of the unfolding crisis.
