When asked whether he would engage in talks with Iran, Trump said he had already done so and planned further communication. He added that a U.S. group had been dispatched toward Iran, but expressed hope that force would not be required.
“Hopefully we won’t have to use it,” Trump said while attending the premiere of a documentary film about former First Lady Melania Trump in Washington.
Military Warnings and Escalating Rhetoric
Despite Trump’s measured tone, rhetoric from both sides has intensified. Iranian military officials have warned that any U.S. attack would prompt a decisive and immediate response, targeting American bases and aircraft carriers in the Gulf region.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said U.S. carriers had “serious vulnerabilities” and that American military installations were within range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.
Regional and Global Concerns
Fears of a wider conflict have spread across the Middle East, where several Gulf nations host U.S. military facilities. A senior regional official warned that a war would plunge the region into chaos, disrupt global energy markets, and sharply increase oil and gas prices.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed nuclear negotiations, cautioning that further escalation could have devastating regional consequences.
European Union Increases Pressure
The European Union has further strained relations with Tehran by designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The decision followed a violent crackdown on mass protests inside Iran.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move was overdue, accusing Iranian authorities of crushing protests with excessive force. Tehran has condemned the designation, calling it politically motivated.
Protests and Conflicting Death Tolls
Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests since late December, triggered by economic grievances and political anger. Human rights groups based outside Iran claim thousands have been killed during the crackdown.
Iranian authorities acknowledge deaths but dispute the figures, stating that many casualties were security personnel or civilians killed during unrest. Internet restrictions imposed earlier this month have slowed independent verification.
Voices From Tehran
In Tehran, residents expressed a mix of fear and resignation. Some citizens said they believed conflict was becoming unavoidable, while others hoped international pressure would lead to meaningful change rather than war.
“I am not in favour of war,” said one young resident, speaking anonymously. “I just want something to happen that makes life better.”
Why It Matters for India
For India, rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran have serious implications. Any military escalation could disrupt oil supplies, impact global energy prices, and affect Indian trade routes through the Gulf.