Iran has warned that it is fully prepared to defend itself as tensions escalate with the United States of America, which continues to signal the possibility of military action despite regional diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a fresh conflict.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Turkiye on Friday for senior-level discussions, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. He added that Tehran seeks to “constantly strengthen ties with neighbours based on shared interests”.
The visit is taking place as regional leaders intensify diplomacy in hopes of persuading US to refrain from military action and encouraging both sides to reach some form of compromise. However, the US military buildup in the region continues, with President Donald Trump describing the deployment as an “armada” on Wednesday. The force is led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, now positioned near Iranian waters.
Inside Iran, senior political, military and judicial officials have adopted an increasingly defiant tone, stressing preparedness over negotiations.
“Tehran’s priority is currently not to negotiate with the US, but to have 200 percent readiness to defend our country,” said Kazem Gharibabadi, a senior member of Iran’s negotiating team, according to state media.
Gharibabadi confirmed that messages have recently been exchanged with Washington through intermediaries, but emphasised that even if talks were possible, Iran would remain on high alert. He noted that Iran had previously been attacked first by Israel and then by the US last June, just as negotiations were expected to begin.
Iran has repeatedly highlighted its military capabilities in recent days, following extensive exercises conducted since June’s 12-day war, during which several senior military officials were killed and nuclear facilities were struck.
On Thursday, the Iranian army announced the induction of 1,000 new “strategic” drones into its forces. According to the army, the fleet includes one-way suicide drones as well as combat, reconnaissance and cyberwarfare-capable aircraft designed to strike fixed or mobile targets across land, air and sea.
“Proportionate to the threats facing us, the agenda of the army includes maintaining and improving strategic advantages for fast combat and a decisive response to any aggression,” army commander Amir Hamati said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also previously claimed it could withstand sustained attacks while continuing to launch ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel and US assets throughout the region if required.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have moved to boost civilian preparedness in the event of war. President Masoud Pezeshkian has delegated expanded powers to governors in border provinces, enabling them to import essential supplies – particularly food in case of war.
The lack of adequate public shelters has also come under scrutiny. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said on Thursday that the municipality plans to construct “underground parking shelters” as a “priority project”. However, he acknowledged that the initiative would take years to complete, leaving residents with limited protection in the event of imminent air strikes.
Another potential consequence of renewed conflict is a return to widespread communications blackouts. Similar shutdowns were imposed during the June war and amid the most recent wave of protests.