An adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Sunday said his country must be prepared for all potential scenarios and urged authorities not to allow enemy conspiracies to take them by surprise.
“Iran is fighting a hybrid war waged by its enemies,” said Rahim Safavi, a General of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He highlighted the critical need for national unity in pursuing the country’s goals.
Safadi’s comments came after US President Donald Trump left last week the door open to striking Iran's nuclear facilities, but said he wants to reach a deal with Tehran to avoid military strikes.
Meanwhile, Safavi pointed out to the 20-year strategic agreement between Iran and Russia, signed last week during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow. He said the agreement requires not only careful planning but also decisive action to achieve its full potential.
“We must be ready for every possibility and ensure that we are never caught off guard by the enemy's plans,” he added.
Iran's main concern is the potential for Trump to reimposes his “maximum pressure policy” through more sanctions on its oil.
Last Wednesday, two US officials gave preliminary outlines of the new US administration’s policy toward Iran, including its readiness to activate the “snapback” mechanism at the UN Security Council.
Trump said Thursday he hoped to avoid military strikes on Iran's nuclear program, an option long mulled by Israel.
Asked if he would support military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump told reporters he was going to speak to unspecified “very high-level people” about the issue.
“That could be worked out without having to worry about it,” Trump said of the Iranian nuclear issue.
“It would be really nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step,” he said of military action.
On diplomatic prospects with Iran, Trump said, “Iran hopefully will make a deal -- and if they don't make a deal, I guess that's OK, too.”
Later during an interview with Fox News, the US President said, “I want them (the Iranians) to have a great country, they have great potential, the people are amazing -- The only thing I said about Iran, is they can't have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump added, “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. And, you know, they get one, you're gonna have everyone else getting them, and then the whole thing is going to be a disaster.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday hinted at potential action against Iran in the “upcoming months,” in his initial congratulatory letter to new US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
“Iran and its partners continue to threaten... regional and global stability,” wrote Katz.
“The upcoming months present us with challenges that require military readiness and opportunities that allow us to further our strategic goals. I am confident that together we can succeed, creating long-term stability and a better future for the region,” the Israeli minister said.
