Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned Thursday that any U.S. Aggression would be met with a “decisive and proportionate” response, escalating rhetoric as the United States continues to deploy military assets to the Middle East. The statement followed a meeting of President Trump’s top national security advisors in the White House Situation Room to discuss potential military action against Iran, according to a senior administration official.
The U.S. Military is actively positioning additional weaponry in the region, including warships, air defenses and submarines, in preparation for a possible strike, officials confirmed. This buildup comes as diplomatic talks between the U.S. And Iran, aimed at averting conflict, appear to be stalling. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted “good progress” after indirect talks with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva on Tuesday, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tempered that assessment, stating Wednesday that “there was some progress made” but “Notice still a lot of details to discuss.”
The core disagreement centers on Iran’s missile program. The Trump administration is demanding restrictions on both Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile capabilities, a condition Tehran has so far rejected. Officials indicated that all U.S. Military forces required for potential action would be in place by mid-March. The deployment includes dozens of F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighter jets flowing from the United States to Europe and onward to the Middle East.
While pursuing military preparations, the U.S. Maintains that diplomacy remains the preferred option. Leavitt stated Wednesday that diplomacy is the first option for President Trump before considering military action, adding that it would be wise for Iran to reach a deal with the U.S. Although, Trump has also publicly embraced the possibility of regime change in Iran, declaring that a change in power in Tehran would be the “best thing” that could happen.
Israel has reportedly activated emergency preparedness measures in response to the escalating tensions. Iran’s atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami asserted Thursday that no country can strip the Islamic Republic of its right to nuclear enrichment. The U.S. Expects Iran to present a written response addressing outstanding areas of disagreement, but the prospect of a breakthrough remains remote, with both sides far apart on fundamental issues.
