Senior Iran military official says renewed conflict with US ‘likely’

An Iranian senior military official said Saturday that a renewed conflict with the United States was "likely", as peace talks remain stalled and President Donald Trump criticised Iran's latest proposal in negotiations.

"A renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely, and evidence has shown that the United States is not committed to any promises or agreements," Mohammad Jafar Asadi of the military's central command centre, Khatam al-Anbiya, was quoted as saying by Iran's Fars news agency.

The Deputy for Inspection of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stating that the unity and integrity of the Iranian nation is our winning card against enemies, said: “The Armed Forces are in full readiness.”

General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, Deputy for Inspection of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, analyzed regional developments and the possibility of tension between Iran and the US in an interview, stating:  

“A renewed conflict between Iran and the US is probable, and evidence has shown that America does not adhere to any pledge or agreement. The actions and statements of American officials are mostly for media purposes, raised first to prevent a drop in oil prices and second to exit the quagmire they created themselves.”

General Asadi said: “The military assessment is that whether America carries out an operation against Iran or not, it has fallen into this trap and has no way out. Just as our martyred Imam (Iran’s late Supreme Leader) said, the Zionist regime will not be the same as before Al-Aqsa Flood, the situation of America will not return to the America before the attack on Iran. The world realized the truth of America, and now no matter how much malice it shows, it is no longer the America that many were afraid of.”

He also clarified regarding the response of the Armed Forces to any renewed adventure or folly by the Americans: “We possess full readiness to confront any hostile action.”

General Asadi further added: “Not only the Armed Forces and the people, but even political groups that sometimes had differences of opinion have today reached the understanding to maintain integrity. This unity is our winning card, and therefore we have no concern about America wanting to attack again.”

Stating that surprise actions have been considered for the enemy, he emphasized: “As the relevant officials said, actions have been considered to counter the enemies’ renewed warmongering that do not fit into their imagination.”