Tehran, Iran – On Monday, Iranians across the country received an anonymous text message bearing the message, “The US president is a man of action. Wait and see.” This sparked concern and controversy amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian state media reported that the message was sent to a large number of mobile phones throughout the country, without specifying its source or who was behind it. This comes at a time of heightened tension between the two countries.
American threats and potential escalation
The message came after a series of US threats to launch a large-scale attack on Iran if diplomacy fails. According to The New York Times, US President Donald Trump told his advisors that he would consider launching an attack in the coming months if diplomatic efforts do not achieve their objectives.
The newspaper indicated that Trump, although he has not yet made a final decision, is inclined to launch a preemptive strike. This is intended to force the Iranian leadership to return to the negotiating table and abandon its nuclear weapons program.
Potential targets, according to the report, include the headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear program sites, and ballistic missile facilities.
US military buildup in the region
In parallel, the United States has reinforced its military presence in the region, deploying 13 warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The USS Gerald Ford is also en route to the eastern Mediterranean. In addition, the air presence has been bolstered with advanced fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and command and control assets.
Iranian response and warning against targeting bases
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Iran has the right to defend itself. He also asserted that any American attack would be considered an act of aggression, and that the response would be justified and legitimate.
Araqchi hinted at the possibility of targeting American bases in the region should an attack occur. Iranian officials have previously suggested the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for energy supplies.
Final negotiations in Geneva
Negotiators from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday in what is seen as a last-ditch effort to avert a direct military confrontation. This comes amid regional and international anticipation of how developments will unfold in the coming days.
