Iran has issued a strong warning, saying it is prepared to continue the war with Israel and the United States if the conflict continues. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will defend itself and will not hesitate to continue the war if necessary. Speaking during a weekly briefing, he said Iran has already shown that it will stand firm against its enemies.
“I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with,” Araghchi said. He added that Iran is ready to defend itself and continue the war wherever it may lead. Meanwhile, Iran also warned about the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no country would be allowed to use the strait to launch attacks against Iran. He said Iran’s armed forces control the area and can take necessary steps to protect national security. Baghaei also blamed the United States and Israel for increasing insecurity in the region.
He said ships could still pass through the strait, but under special conditions due to the tense situation. The spokesperson added that Iran had never trusted the United States, even during past negotiations. According to him, Iran entered talks with Washington with “absolute distrust,” but remained open to discussions despite what he called US crimes.
At the same time, other countries are reacting to the growing crisis in the Middle East. The European Union announced €458 million in humanitarian aid to help people affected by the conflicts in the region. EU humanitarian crisis commissioner Hadja Lahbib said the aid would support communities suffering due to war and instability.
“In a war-torn Middle East, the European Union is stepping up while others step back,” she said. Meanwhile, Qatar called on Iran to stop attacks and reduce tensions in the region. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the country has the right to respond if it faces threats.
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He revealed that a missile aimed at a residential area was recently intercepted, prompting authorities to evacuate nearby residents.
Ansari also said there is currently no active mediation between Iran and the United States, but stressed the need for de-escalation. In Europe, leaders are also watching the situation closely. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore safe navigation for global shipping.
Germany also clarified that the conflict is not related to NATO operations. A spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the alliance’s mandate does not cover the current war. Meanwhile, the United States has asked several allies to help protect the Strait of Hormuz and escort ships through the region.
However, countries including Japan and Australia said they currently have no plans to send naval vessels. Global markets have also reacted to the rising tensions. Oil prices have increased as concerns grow about possible disruptions in the Gulf region, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s energy supplies pass.
The war has also affected international travel, with several Middle Eastern airports restricting flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. In a new development, Iranian media reported that a school building in the city of Khomein was damaged in an airstrike. Local officials said there were no casualties, but nearby houses were also affected.
