2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 17:57 IST
Iran warns of fierce retaliation if attacked by the US, as Trump weighs strikes. Oman plans talks; EU urges diplomacy; Iran demands nuclear talks.
Both countries are set to hold another round of discussions, brokered by Oman, on Thursday. However, the US is yet to confirm the meeting. (File image: AFP)
Iran on Monday said a US attack of any scale would result in Tehran to respond “ferociously". This was in response to President Donald Trump saying he was considering limited strikes against Iran.
AFP quoted the Iran’s foreign ministry saying that any strike, even limited, would be “would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period".
“And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defence ferociously so that’s what we would do," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a briefing in Tehran.
This comes as the US has built up forces in the Middle East to pressure Iran to make a deal, with Trump warning a limited strike if no agreement is reached. Both countries are set to hold another round of discussions, brokered by Oman, on Thursday. However, the US is yet to confirm the meeting.
A second round of indirect talks were held in Geneva on Tuesday last week.
Also Read: Donald Trump Says He Is Considering Limited Military Strike Against Iran
Trump on Friday said that he may consider launching a limited military action against Iran.
“I guess I can say I am considering it," said Trump, giving no other details when asked if he was planning the limited strike to pressure Iran to accept a deal.
In recent days, the US has increased its military presence across the Middle East, repositioning warships, aircraft and additional forces as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme remain stalled.
Also Read: Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report
AFP quoted the European Union, which has been sidelined in mediation on Iran, calling for a diplomatic solution ahead of the talks.
“We don’t need another war in this region. We already have a lot," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
“It is true that Iran is at its weakest point that they have been. We should be really using this time to find a diplomatic solution."
As the discussions continue, Iran has repeatedly insisted only discussions on the country’s nuclear programme are on the table at mediated talks.
In a recent interview with Fox News, US envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump is wondering why Iran has not “capitulated" in the face of Washington’s military deployment.
In response, Baqaei said on Monday that Iranians had never capitulated at any point in their history.
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First Published:
February 23, 2026, 17:57 IST
News world Iran Warns Of 'Ferocious' Retaliation As Trump Mulls 'Limited Military Strike' Amid High Tensions
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