Iranian Warn They Will Defend Itself as U.S. Forces Build Up in the Middle East

Iranian says it is fully prepared to defend itself as the US increases military presence near its waters.

Iranian has said that it is fully ready to defend itself as the United States continues to threaten military action. At the same time, diplomatic efforts are increasing in the region to prevent a new war from starting. Tehran boosts military strength and regional diplomacy while Washington moves naval forces closer to Iranian waters.

Iranian officials have clearly stated that their focus is on defence rather than negotiations with the US. This statement comes as the US moves more military forces closer to Iranian waters.

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, it’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Turkiye on Friday for high-level talks. Baghaei said that Iran wants to continuously strengthen relations with neighbouring countries based on shared interests and cooperation.

This visit is part of many ongoing diplomatic meetings. Regional leaders are trying to convince the United States not to attack Iran and are hoping both sides can reach some form of understanding or compromise.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the United States is still increasing its military presence. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a US military “armada” is moving near it. This fleet is led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.

Inside the country, senior political, military, and judicial leaders are sending strong messages. They are making it clear that Iran is preparing for defence and is not currently interested in talks with the US.A senior Iranian negotiator, Kazem Gharibabadi, said that Iran’s priority is not negotiations but being “200 percent ready” to defend the country. His statement was reported by Iranian state media.

Gharibabadi confirmed that Iran and the US have exchanged messages through intermediaries. However, he said that even if talks become possible, Iranian will still remain fully prepared to defend itself.

He also reminded that Iranian was attacked last June, first by Israel and then by the United States, at a time when negotiations were about to begin.

In recent days, Iran has repeatedly highlighted its military strength. This follows several military exercises held after the 12-day war in June, during which senior Iranian military officials were killed and nuclear sites were attacked.

On Thursday, the Iranian army announced that 1,000 new strategic drones have been added to its forces. These include suicide drones, combat drones, reconnaissance drones, and drones capable of cyberwarfare.

According to the army, these drones can hit both fixed and moving targets on land, in the air, and at sea. Iranian army commander Amir Hamati said that the army’s plan is to maintain and improve strategic advantages. He said the goal is to be ready for fast combat and to give a strong and decisive response to any aggression.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also said that it can withstand attacks and continue firing ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel and US military assets in the region if required.

Across Tehran, people are closely watching President Trump’s mixed statements. At times, he threatens Iranian, and at other times, he says he is willing to hold talks.

Strong supporters of the Iranian government continue to stand firmly with the leadership. This is happening even as Washington claims that country is currently at its weakest point since the Islamic Republic was established nearly 50 years ago.

The US has made these claims after recent nationwide protests in Tehran, which reportedly led to the deaths of thousands of people.

A young woman in Tehran told Al Jazeera that America cannot harm the country. She repeated a phrase often used by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

She said that if the US launches missiles at country, the Islamic Republic will respond strongly and destroy enemy bases.However, many ordinary Iranians are deeply worried. They fear what a second war within a year could mean for their lives.

A female student in Tehran said that another war would be terrible for both Iranian and Israel. She said it would be common people who would suffer and die the most.A man in his 50s said that if war breaks out, it will bring destruction and devastation. He said he hopes such a situation never happens.

All people interviewed requested anonymity due to security concerns. Meanwhile, Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran, announced that the city government plans to build underground parking shelters as a priority project to protect people during attacks.

However, he said that the project would take years to complete. This means that if a conflict starts soon, people will still have very few safe places to protect themselves during air raids.

A new conflict would also likely result in another communications blackout. A similar blackout happened during the June war and again during the recent protests.

On the night of January 8, the Iranian government cut off all internet and mobile services across the country during the height of nationwide protests.

This blackout affected more than 90 million people and lasted for nearly three weeks. It was one of the longest and most severe internet shutdowns in Iran’s history.

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Although authorities have recently restored limited internet access, communication remains heavily restricted for most people.Those who are now able to access the internet are seeing disturbing images and videos of recent violence and deaths. This has increased fears that even more bloodshed could happen if a war begins.

A young woman in Tehran said she fears being woken up again by loud explosions at night due to war. She said she has already seen heartbreaking images of protesters killed across the country.

She added, “Even without a war, death already feels like it is everywhere around us.”

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