Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jan 30: Iranian authorities have indicated they are fully prepared to defend the country as the United States continues to issue threats of military action, even as regional diplomatic efforts intensify to avert a fresh conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to hold high-level talks in Turkiye on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. He added that Tehran is seeking to “constantly strengthen ties with neighbours based on shared interests”.
The visit comes amid a flurry of diplomatic engagements by regional leaders, who are attempting to persuade Washington to avoid an attack and encourage both sides to reach some form of compromise. However, the US continues to bolster its military presence near Iran’s waters, with President Donald Trump referring to the deployment as an “armada” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
In Tehran, senior political, military and judicial figures have struck a defiant tone, stressing that Iran’s current focus is on defence rather than negotiations. “Tehran’s priority is currently not to negotiate with the US, but to have 200 per cent readiness to defend our country,” senior Iranian negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi was quoted as saying by state media.
Gharibabadi acknowledged that messages have been exchanged with the US through intermediaries but said Iran would remain fully prepared to defend itself even if talks were possible. He recalled that Iran was attacked last June, first by Israel and then by the US, just as negotiations were about to begin.
Iran has underlined its military preparedness in recent days following a series of exercises held after last year’s 12-day war, during which several senior military officials were killed and nuclear sites were targeted. On Thursday, the Iranian army announced that 1,000 new “strategic” drones had been inducted into its forces, including suicide drones as well as combat, reconnaissance and cyberwarfare-capable aircraft.
“Proportionate to the threats facing us, the agenda of the army includes maintaining and improving strategic advantages for fast combat and a decisive response to any aggression,” army commander Amir Hamati said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also repeatedly highlighted its capability to withstand attacks and retaliate with ballistic and cruise missiles against Israel and US assets in the region if required.
While hardline supporters of the Islamic Republic remain steadfast, many Iranians have expressed fear over the prospect of another conflict within a year. Authorities have begun increasing civilian preparedness, with President Masoud Pezeshkian delegating additional powers to governors of border provinces to ensure the import of essential goods in case of war.
Attention has also turned to the lack of public shelters. Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani said the city would prioritise the construction of underground parking shelters, though he acknowledged the project would take years to complete.
Concerns have also resurfaced over the possibility of another communications blackout. Internet and mobile services were cut nationwide during recent protests and only partially restored after nearly three weeks, leaving most communications still disrupted.
As tensions remain high, many Iranians fear the human cost of another conflict. “If war breaks out, we will face destruction and devastation. I hope this doesn’t happen,” a Tehran resident said, reflecting widespread anxiety across the country.