Iran Warns of Readiness for Protracted War if Diplomacy Fails

A senior Iranian military official has stated that while Tehran approaches negotiations with caution, it is prepared for a prolonged war should diplomatic efforts collapse. Army spokesman Mohammad Ekremnia made the remarks in an interview on state television.

Ekremnia asserted that the current ceasefire was achieved due to Iran's firm stance. "Iran forced the enemy to accept a truce with its resolute position. The foundation and focus of the negotiations are shaped by Iran's conditions," he emphasized, adding that the country nevertheless maintains a cautious approach to the talks.

"We hope for the success of the negotiations, but in case of failure, we are ready for a long war," declared the army representative. He expressed deep distrust towards the opposing side, accusing it of unreliability based on behavior during two previous rounds of talks.

The spokesman also referenced historical grievances, specifically recalling the 2015 nuclear deal process as evidence of broken trust, implicitly pointing to the United States. He stressed that Iran's military preparations are ongoing: "Our eyes are on the enemy, our finger is on the trigger."

Ekremnia further commented on a parliamentary bill concerning fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that control over the strategic waterway, as decided by parliament, would become an economic advantage for Iran in this conflict.

The statements come amid conflicting narratives over a recently announced two-week ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the agreement an "absolute and total victory" for America. Conversely, Tehran portrayed it as its own triumph.

In a statement, Iran's Supreme National Security Council claimed: "The enemy suffered an indisputable, historic and crushing defeat in its cowardly, illegal and criminal war against the Iranian nation." While Washington indicated Israel had also joined the truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified it does not extend to Lebanon.