Iran Prepares Stronger Retaliation if the US Resumes Attacks, Even as Talks Continue

Iran is drawing up a harsher response in case Washington restarts large scale military action, according to sources familiar with the planning. Senior commanders are reviewing a wider list of targets that could include countries backing US operations and possibly sites beyond the Middle East. No final decision has been made. Tehran has also told allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to be ready for a coordinated reaction stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to US interests abroad. Analysts say Iran wants to rebuild deterrence rather than answer symbolic moves with symbolic replies.

Diplomacy Still Open but Unlikely to Succeed

Iran submitted a seven-day proposal through Qatari mediators that would reopen Hormuz and end hostilities. It calls for lifting the US blockade, releasing at least $12 billion in frozen funds and waiving oil sanctions. Trump said he rejected it, though a US reply is reportedly under review. Washington wants the nuclear programme included, while Tehran says that can wait until its conditions are met. One official called a deal very unlikely.

Economic Strain and Fear of Unrest in Iran

The blockade has cut oil exports, and leaders fear a repeat of January’s protests, which were crushed with thousands killed. Rights groups report mass arrests during the war.