Tehran issued a stark warning on Sunday following fresh threats from Donald Trump, stating that a resumption of hostilities could result in a war lasting longer than the previous one. The Iranian government cautioned the United States after Trump declared his intention to target one or two more sites in Iran, asserting that he could execute such strikes within ten minutes.
During a rally in Iowa on Sunday, the Republican billionaire reiterated his stance, noting that while he had not yet finished with Iran out of a desire to be kind, a decisive blow would eventually be necessary. He also referenced a potential "another little Epic Fury," alluding to the military offensive launched by Washington against Iran on February 28.
In response, Iranian officials stated that Trump would no longer be able to dictate the timing or conditions for ending hostilities. Mohammad Akraminia, the army spokesperson, emphasized that a new conflict could exceed the duration of the last intense phase. That previous escalation involved nearly 40 days of Israeli-American bombings, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and the killing of numerous Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The prior conflict concluded with a ceasefire in April, followed by an agreement protocol in June that ultimately collapsed this summer. Since then, exchanges of strikes have resumed, with Iran targeting Washington's allies across the region from the Gulf to Jordan. Although a lull has been observed since early September, press reports suggest a possible short and intense military campaign may follow the upcoming US midterm elections scheduled for Tuesday.
According to the American media outlet Axios, Donald Trump spoke by phone on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation reportedly focused on the opportunity and timing for intensifying military operations in the region.
Sources: Le Figaro.