Iran Warns Trump: Threats Won't Dictate Duration of War
Iran warns Donald Trump that threats won't dictate war duration and labels UK military forces as terrorist organisations.
In a stark escalation of rhetoric, Iranian Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump, asserting that any military aggression against Tehran will be met with a "proportionate, decisive, and impactful response." The Iranian leadership cautioned that a renewed conflict with the United States could spiral into a protracted war, one that President Trump would be unable to terminate at his own discretion.
Defying US Influence on Conflict
Defence Minister Akhlaghi emphasized that external aggressors cannot control the trajectory or the nature of Iran's retaliation. He made it clear that those issuing threats would have no say in the scope, timing, or the eventual consequences of Iran's defensive actions.
Iranian officials have reiterated that any fresh outbreak of hostilities with the US could stretch far longer than previous military engagements. The warning comes as a reminder that the decision of when hostilities cease will not rest with the US President.
A History of Recent Friction
This tension follows a period of intense military engagement earlier this year. Following strikes launched by the US and Israel on February 28, the region witnessed approximately 40 days of heavy fighting. While the intensity of the conflict subsided by April, tit-for-tat exchanges have continued to simmer between the opposing forces.
Evidence Submitted to International Maritime Organisation
Beyond the warnings to the US, Iran has taken its grievances to the international stage. Tehran has submitted a comprehensive dossier to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) containing documents and photographic evidence of alleged attacks carried out by the US and Israel.
The evidence was formally circulated among IMO member states under Agenda Item 11, which focuses on the "Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes." This dossier is scheduled for review during a council session in London from November 2 to 6.
Iran has highlighted the following risks associated with attacks on maritime infrastructure:
- Threat to Shipping: Attacks on maritime traffic control networks significantly increase the risk of accidents in international shipping lanes.
- Safety of Seafarers: The destruction of emergency rescue facilities severely impairs the ability to respond to disasters across critical waterways.
UK Military Forces Labeled 'Terrorist Organisations'
In a separate but equally provocative move, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated the United Kingdom's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as "terrorist organisations." Additionally, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) has been classified as a "hostile group."
According to a statement issued on November 1, these measures were adopted following a resolution by Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The ministry accused the British government of violating the United Nations Charter and international law, specifically regarding national sovereignty.
Reasons for the UK Designation
The Iranian government cited several reasons for these designations:
- Logistical Support: Allegations that Britain provided military and logistical bases to support the US-Israeli war against Iran.
- Legal Retaliation: A response to the British government's decision on July 13, 2026, to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the State Threats Act 2026.
The Ministry stated that as of November 1, 2026, the provisions of the law on "Enhancing Punishments for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests" will now apply to MI6.