Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran has learned from its recent military confrontation with the United States and Israel, saying any return to war would bring “many more surprises.”
Araghchi said Iran had gained military knowledge during previous hostilities and was prepared for renewed conflict if diplomacy failed. His comments came as U.S. President Donald Trump gave Tehran “two or three days” to reach a deal, warning that American strikes could resume if negotiations collapse.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance struck a more cautious tone, saying Washington and Tehran had made “a lot of progress” in talks and that neither side wanted to see a return to full military confrontation. However, he also said the United States remained prepared to resume military operations if no agreement is reached.
The mixed messages reflect the fragile state of diplomacy after months of conflict that disrupted energy markets, intensified attacks across the Gulf and raised fears of wider regional war. Trump has said he came close to restarting strikes on Iran but paused after negotiators reported progress.
Iran has insisted that any agreement must address sanctions, frozen funds and the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. Washington, meanwhile, has demanded guarantees over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional military activity.
Oil markets remain sensitive to the talks. Reuters reported that prices eased after Trump said the war could end “very quickly,” though analysts warned that supply disruptions and the risk of renewed U.S. attacks could keep prices elevated.
Araghchi’s warning appears aimed at strengthening Iran’s negotiating position while signalling that Tehran believes it is better prepared than at the start of the conflict. For Washington, the next few days may determine whether the current diplomatic opening becomes a ceasefire framework — or another round of escalation.
