Iran Signals Military Readiness Amid Rising Tensions with Washington
TEHRAN — Iran has shifted its rhetoric to a high-alert footing, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declaring that the Islamic Republic must be "prepared for a state of war." The statement, reported by the state-run IRNA news agency and cited by AFP, marks a significant escalation in defensive posturing following a series of strategic military moves by the United States.
A Strategy of "Active Defense"
Speaking on Thursday, Aref underscored that while Tehran does not seek to initiate a conflict, it is actively bracing for the possibility of external aggression.
> "Today we must be prepared for a state of war," Aref stated. "Our strategy is that we will never start a war, but if it is imposed, we will defend ourselves."
> The Vice President’s comments come at a delicate moment for the administration. He emphasized that the nation's focus remains on sovereignty and resilience, suggesting that the military and civilian sectors must align to face potential "impositions" from foreign powers.
The U.S. Response and Regional Friction
The catalyst for this heightened state of readiness appears to be a dual-track approach from Washington. The United States recently deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the region—a move often interpreted as a "show of force" intended to deter Iranian influence and provide tactical options for the Pentagon.
Simultaneously, U.S. officials have maintained a stern diplomatic stance. In response to Tehran’s domestic crackdown on protesters, Washington has pointedly refused to rule out military action. This shift from purely economic sanctions to the mention of kinetic force has significantly raised the stakes in the Persian Gulf.
The Search for "Guarantees"
Despite the martial rhetoric, Aref indicated that the door to diplomacy has not been bolted shut, though the terms of engagement have shifted. He noted that Iran remains open to dialogue, but with a new, stricter caveat: concrete assurances.
"This time we want guarantees," Aref said, likely referring to previous diplomatic arrangements—such as the 2015 nuclear deal—which Tehran feels were abandoned without recourse. This demand suggests that any future negotiations will require more than just verbal agreements or "good faith" gestures.
Current Outlook
As the U.S. carrier group maintains its presence in nearby waters, the region remains on a knife-edge. International observers are closely watching for:
Military Exercises: Whether Iran will launch its own large-scale drills in response to the U.S. presence.
Diplomatic Backchannels: If neutral parties will step in to de-escalate the "guarantees" demand.
Economic Impact: How the threat of conflict will affect global oil markets and regional stability.
