Iran vows to strike back 'like never before' as Trump intensifies war threats

January 28, 2026

The Islamic Republic has recently threatened to strike both Israel and US bases across West Asia if it comes under attack

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected any negotiations with Washington, as US President Donald Trump repeated his threat of an “armada” and as Tehran vowed to strike back “like never before” if attacked.
“Our position is exactly this: exercising diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective or useful,” Araghchi said.
“If they want negotiations to take shape, they must certainly abandon threats, excessive demands, and the raising of irrational issues,” he added.
The foreign minister went on to say that negotiations must take place “from an equal footing, based on mutual respect and for mutual benefit.”
“That one side seeks to achieve its objectives through force is unacceptable. That is not diplomacy. Negotiations under threat do not add up. Talks can only take place when threats and excessive demands are set aside,” he stressed.
He also said talks with regional countries “continue regularly and continuously.”
“This shared understanding exists across the region. The region is completely against military threats, and everyone believes that instability would lead to major challenges for the region. Therefore, regional countries oppose this,” he stated, despite reports alleging that countries like Jordan and the UAE are ready to provide support for a potential US-Israeli war on Iran.
Earlier this month, Araghchi warned that the Islamic Republic would strike back with “everything we have” if it came under attack.
Iran’s UN mission said on 28 January: “Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests – BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!”
The foreign minister’s comments on Wednesday came hours after Trump said that an “armada” was moving toward Iran.
“There is another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now,” Trump said during a speech. “I hope they make a deal.”
It was unclear whether Trump was referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships, which arrived in West Asia on Monday, or to further assets intended to enhance US military and defensive capabilities in the region.
Washington has also deployed additional fighter jet squadrons to the region.
Over the past few weeks, Iran faced widespread riots after economic protests turned violent following the collapse of the Iranian currency, caused by years of brutal US sanctions.
Western-based rights groups claim thousands of peaceful protesters have been killed. Iran has detained hundreds of armed rioters, many of whom have been found with links to the Mossad, and are behind the killing of scores of civilians and security officers.
Trump called off a planned attack on Iran earlier this month, after vowing to hit the country “hard” and “rescue” protesters. The president claimed he changed his mind after Iran decided against executing hundreds of detained rioters; however, the Islamic Republic has denied this.
A major US attack against the Iran is still expected.
Middle East Eye (MEE) reported on Monday that Washington is mulling “precision strikes” on “high-value” Iranian officials and military leaders whom the US holds responsible for the “deaths of protesters.”
“The strikes could come as early as this week, but that timeline could shift,” the report says. Tehran has threatened to strike Israel and US bases in the region if Washington attacks.