Iran has vowed to respond “ferociously” to any military action from the United States, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The announcement comes as both countries exchange increasingly tense rhetoric ahead of indirect talks in Geneva over Iran’s nuclear program.
Following a US official’s confirmation that discussions would resume Thursday, Tehran’s foreign ministry emphasized that any attack, even a limited strike, would be considered an act of aggression. “And any state would react to an act of aggression… ferociously, so that’s what we would do,” said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
Despite mounting US pressure and a significant military presence in the Middle East, Iranian university students have reignited anti-government protests as the new academic semester begins. They are reviving slogans from nationwide demonstrations that erupted in January, which were met with a violent crackdown.
President Trump had indicated last week that he was considering a limited strike if Iran failed to reach an agreement. Tehran, meanwhile, insists its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes, even as the West suspects it may aim to produce nuclear weapons. Iran has promised to present a draft proposal to mediators in the coming days, while the US has set a 15-day window for a deal.
Talks and Diplomatic Opportunities
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the resumption of negotiations as “a new window of opportunity” but warned that any attack could trigger widespread consequences across the region. “The consequences of any renewed aggression wouldn’t remain confined to one country and responsibility would rest with those who initiate or support such actions,” he said.
The US also seeks to address Iran’s missile program and its support for militant groups in the region, issues Iran has removed from the negotiation agenda. The two countries recently concluded a second round of indirect talks in Switzerland, mediated by Oman.
Rising Tensions and Global Precautions
The looming threat of conflict has prompted other nations to act. India joined Sweden, Serbia, Poland, and Australia in urging citizens to leave Iran. Meanwhile, the US ordered non-essential personnel to depart from its embassy in Lebanon, a hub for Hezbollah, which maintains strong ties to Tehran.
China has also cautioned Washington against unilateral military actions, with Ambassador Shen Jian stating at a Geneva disarmament conference: “We oppose unilateral bullying and the use of force in international relations.”
Domestic Unrest and Human Cost
Economic hardship fueled by international sanctions triggered protests in December, escalating into the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in years. Security forces violently suppressed demonstrations in early January, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting over 7,000 deaths, though the actual toll may be higher. Iranian authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 fatalities, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts” allegedly supported by the US and Israel.
Protests have resurfaced at universities, with videos showing students in Tehran burning the Iranian flag and chanting “down with the Islamic republic.” Both pro- and anti-government rallies have taken place to commemorate those who died in previous demonstrations, with footage capturing clashes and the burning of Israeli and US flags.
As tensions mount, the situation remains delicate. While governments negotiate and citizens protest, ordinary Iranians continue to live with uncertainty, hoping for a future where diplomacy, not conflict, dictates their daily lives.
