Iran warns new war could last longer after Trump threatens strikes

Iran cautioned on Sunday that a renewed war with the United States could span a longer duration compared to the previous conflict, following remarks by President Donald Trump. Diplomatic attempts to resolve the Middle Eastern war have been marked by ongoing US and Israeli threats of resuming airstrikes, as they approach significant elections.

"A potential future war could last longer than previous conflict, and the American president would not be in a position to dictate the timing or the conditions of its conclusion," stated army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, as reported by Iranian state television.

During the most intense phase of the war, which commenced on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran responded with missile and drone assaults across the region. Armed factions joined the fighting in Lebanon and Yemen. Akraminia's comments came after Trump indicated the US could swiftly target any remaining Iranian sites, claiming "we still have to take care of, I would say one or two sites, but we can do that in 10 minutes," referring to a suspected underground nuclear facility.

Iranian military and political figures have voiced concerns about a potential new attack. Hossein Mohebbi, a Revolutionary Guards spokesman, warned against any aggression, emphasizing that there would be no geographical boundaries in a conflict with America, as a large theater has been designated for inflicting damage upon the enemy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope that the US would exercise caution and pursue diplomacy, adding that Iran remains prepared for both defense and negotiations.

Security chief Mohsen Rezaei disclosed on Saturday that he received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance, attempting to restart talks. Rezaei noted a shift in the US tone but had not yet responded. He reiterated Iran's previous position that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or engage in negotiations unless its demands were met, which include unfreezing Iranian assets abroad, lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, removing existing sanctions, and ending hostilities on all fronts.

The United Arab Emirates, through its diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash, stated that the region hoped for a breakthrough in negotiations but was prepared for the worst.