WANA (Jan 28) – The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations responded on Wednesday to renewed confrontational rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating Tehran remains prepared for diplomatic talks but will defend itself and deliver an “unprecedented response” if forced into conflict.

 

In a post on the social media platform X, Iran’s UN mission pointed to the heavy toll of past U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying those conflicts cost roughly $7 trillion and resulted in over 7,000 American deaths. It reiterated that Iran is willing to engage in dialogue “based on mutual interests and respect”, but underscored its determination to protect its sovereignty if threatened.

 

“Iran is ready for negotiations, but if it is forced into conflict, it will defend itself and respond in a way that has never been seen before,” the statement said.

 

Earlier today, President Trump renewed pressure on Iran, urging Tehran to return to the negotiating table and warning that “time is running out” to reach a deal — particularly one aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

 

Trump said a “massive armada” of U.S. naval forces, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is heading toward the region and is prepared to act swiftly and with force if diplomacy fails.

 

Trump stated on his platform Truth Social that the U.S. wants a “fair and equitable deal” on nuclear issues and cautioned that an American military response would be far more severe than previous operations if Iran did not engage constructively.

An anti-U.S. billboard on a building in Tehran, Iran, on January 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)