'US cannot dictate when conflict ends': Iran warns Trump against fresh war

Iran on Sunday warned US President Donald Trump that Washington would not determine the duration or terms of any renewed military conflict, asserting that fresh hostilities could last longer than previous fighting and spread across a wider geographical area.

Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said the United States should not assume that it could launch military operations and unilaterally decide when they would end. His remarks came amid renewed threats of American military action and diplomatic efforts to prevent another escalation in the Middle East.

"A potential future war could last longer than previous conflict, and the American president would not be in a position to dictate the timing or the conditions of its conclusion," Akraminia said, according to Iranian state television.

The warning followed Trump's remarks on Saturday that the United States had destroyed much of Iran's military capability but still had a small number of targets to address.

𝗧𝗲𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Iranian Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi said any new attack on the country would invite a proportionate and decisive response. He maintained that those threatening Iran would not be able to determine the scale, timing or consequences of its military retaliation.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned that any renewed confrontation with the United States could extend beyond the immediate conflict zone.

IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said Iran's military planning was not restricted by geographical boundaries, indicating that American interests across the region could face retaliation if hostilities resumed.

The statements followed a warning from Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who directed military commanders to prepare for possible attacks and respond immediately to any renewed US-Israeli offensive.

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Trump said on October 31 that American military operations had severely weakened Iran's capabilities, including its nuclear infrastructure, but suggested that further action might be required against remaining targets.

The US President has indicated that Washington could consider fresh military operations after the November 3 midterm elections, although no final decision has been announced.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to a diplomatic settlement and that Trump had not decided whether to authorise additional strikes.

The confrontation follows the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran on February 28, which killed then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region.

𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆

Separately, Iran submitted documents and photographic evidence to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), alleging that US and Israeli military operations had damaged Iranian ports, civilian vessels and maritime infrastructure.

According to Iranian state media, Tehran warned that the alleged attacks posed serious risks to maritime safety and security. The submission formed part of Iran's efforts to raise concerns about the conflict before international institutions.

The latest complaint follows earlier Iranian submissions to the IMO accusing Washington and Israel of violating international law through attacks on commercial shipping and civilian maritime facilities. The allegations have not been independently verified.

𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

The renewed exchange of warnings comes as Qatar and other regional mediators attempt to prevent another round of fighting. Iranian negotiators were in Doha on Sunday for discussions aimed at reaching an agreement to end the conflict.

The war has severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. Restrictions on vessel movements and repeated security incidents have heightened concerns over international trade and oil prices.

While Washington has indicated that diplomatic negotiations remain possible, Tehran has maintained that any settlement must address its security concerns and prevent further attacks on its territory.

Iranian officials have warned that renewed military action could undermine the ongoing negotiations and trigger a broader regional confrontation.