By Paul Joseph
Anxiety, tension, and anticipation are rising in Iran as the United States’ Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier arrives through its waters.
This situation has led the Iranian government to react to the troubling circumstances befalling them.
In reaction to that, the Iranian government has expressed their readiness to protect the country, even as the U.S. continues to threaten military action, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region to avert a new conflict.
According to Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to engage in high-level discussions in Turkey on Friday.
Baghaei noted that Tehran aims to “continuously strengthen relationships with neighboring countries based on mutual interests.”
This visit occurs amidst a series of high-level discussions, as regional leaders strive to persuade the US against military action and to seek a compromise between the two parties.
However, a US naval presence, referred to as an “armada” by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, continues to gather near Iranian waters, led by the US Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
In Iran, senior political, military, and judicial figures are consistently conveying a message of defiance, emphasizing that the country’s focus is on defense rather than negotiations.
Kazem Gharibabadi, a senior member of the Iranian negotiating team, stated that Iran’s current priority is not to engage in talks with the US but to be fully prepared to defend the nation.
He mentioned that communications have recently taken place with the US through intermediaries, but even under favorable conditions for dialogue, Iran would remain ready to defend itself, recalling past attacks by Israel and the US last June just as negotiations were about to begin.
In recent days, Iran has underscored its military capabilities, following numerous military drills since the 12-day conflict in June, which resulted in the deaths of several senior military officials and attacks on nuclear facilities.
The Iranian army announced on Thursday the addition of 1,000 new “strategic” drones to its arsenal, which includes one-way suicide drones, as well as combat, reconnaissance, and cyberwarfare-capable aircraft capable of targeting land, air, and sea assets.
Army commander Amir Hamati stated that the military’s agenda is focused on maintaining and enhancing strategic advantages for rapid combat and a decisive response to any aggression.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also previously highlighted its capacity to withstand attacks and continue launching ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel and US assets in the region if necessary.
Across Iran, citizens are closely monitoring Trump’s often contradictory statements, which include renewed threats alongside a willingness to engage in dialogue.
Supporters of the Islamic Republic appear unwavering in their backing of the government, even as Washington claims that the Iranian state is at its weakest point since its establishment nearly fifty years ago, following widespread protests that have shaken the country.
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