Iran Declares Military Arsenal Fully Intact and Ready for Prolonged Conflict
Iran's Deputy Defence Minister, Reza Talaei-Nik, has declared that the nation's reserves of bombs, drones, and missiles are "fully ready and intact" and will "confront any threat" over the long term. This statement was broadcast on the state-controlled Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) channel, where Talaei-Nik emphasized Iran's preparedness to engage in a prolonged fight with the United States.
Escalating Hostilities in the Gulf Region
Iran has continued to launch attacks across the Gulf region, targeting Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, a week after hostilities began. These strikes have included drone and missile assaults, with Dubai Airport being evacuated following an Iranian drone attack. Countries throughout the Gulf have reported similar incidents, underscoring the escalating tensions.
Despite Iran's assertions of military readiness, some experts have suggested that the country could run out of ballistic missiles shortly. However, Talaei-Nik countered this by stating that Iran's weapons stockpile can be maintained in the "long term" and that its reserves are ready to fire and intact. He also claimed that Iranian losses have been exaggerated by the US, alleging that far more casualties have been inflicted on "the enemy"—around 220—though there is no evidence to support this figure regarding US or Israeli forces.
Trump's Demands and Regional Reactions
Former US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance, writing on social media that "there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender." In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that Iran is being "beat to hell" and has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors, promising not to shoot at them anymore. He attributed this to relentless US and Israeli attacks, claiming it marks the first time Iran has lost to surrounding countries in thousands of years.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, responded by stating that Iran's "openness to de-escalation" was "almost immediately killed" by Trump, accusing him of misinterpreting Iran's "capabilities, determination and intent." Meanwhile, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian described the US demand for unconditional surrender as a "dream" and apologized for striking neighboring countries, though this was contradicted hours later by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Judicial and Military Posturing
Iran's hardline judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who is also a member of the interim leadership council, warned that the Islamic Republic would continue targeting regional neighbors offering its enemies "points... used in aggression against our country." He cited evidence from Iran's armed forces showing that some countries' geography is openly and covertly at the disposal of the enemy, vowing that "heavy attacks on these targets will continue."
Explosions have been reported across Iran's capital, Tehran, as the US aims to force Iran to surrender. In response, the UK has reportedly halved the readiness time for aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales ahead of a potential deployment to the region. Crews have been alerted about this possibility, though it does not guarantee deployment. HMS Prince of Wales, based in Portsmouth, carries F-35 warplanes, helicopters, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
As tensions mount, Iran's leadership remains defiant, with Talaei-Nik reiterating that the Iranian military can confront any threat posed by the US or Israel. The situation continues to evolve, with regional stability hanging in the balance amid ongoing military posturing and diplomatic exchanges.
