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Iran has warned that it will respond “like never before” to any US military aggression following President Trump’s threats of a renewed strike unless Iran makes a deal with the US.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, the United States is currently surging military assets into the Middle East in a dramatic show of force aimed at Iran. In the last week, the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the region, with US defense officials confirming its presence as part of a broader strategic deployment. Open-source flight tracking platforms like FlightRadar24 have recorded increased tanker activity heading to the Middle East, indicating sustained aerial refueling operations likely in preparation for extended air missions. President Trump has acknowledged the buildup in a post on Truth Social, saying, “A massive Armada is heading to Iran… ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.” He added, “Hopefully Iran will quickly “Come to the Table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again.”

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Iran’s mission to the United Nations warned that it was prepared to respond “like never before” following Trump’s latest round of threats. “Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!” the mission posted on X. This warning echoed across Iran’s leadership, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating, “Our brave Armed Forces are prepared—with their fingers on the trigger—to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea.”

Araghchi invoked the country’s recent military experience, adding, “The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and profoundly.”

These statements come in the aftermath of a brutal internal crackdown that left thousands of Iranian protesters dead. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 6,000 people were killed during the demonstrations, while Iranian authorities claimed the death toll was just over 3,100. The protests, which erupted over economic conditions and political oppression, have largely subsided due to the government’s violent response.