As the United States increases its military pressure on Iran, the Islamic Republic warned on Monday that any attack against its territory would be considered an "act of aggression." A response to Donald Trump, who said he was "considering" a limited strike against Iran in the event of failure of negotiations between the two countries.
Published on: 02/23/2026 - 10:50 Modified on: 02/23/2026 - 10:55
Iran warned on Monday, February 23, that it would consider any attack against its territory, including limited strikes, as an "act of aggression", after remarks by American President Donald Trump suggesting this option, at a time when Washington is increasing its military pressure.
"Regarding the first question relating to a limited strike, there is no limited strike. An act of aggression will be considered an act of aggression. Period," declared the spokesperson for Iranian diplomacy, Esmaïl Baghaï, during a press conference in Tehran attended by AFP.
He was invited to react to the words of Donald Trump who said on Friday that he was "considering" a limited strike against Iran if this country did not quickly conclude an agreement with the United States.
New talks planned for Thursday
“Any state would react forcefully to an act of aggression under its inherent right to self-defense, and that is therefore what we would do,” stressed Esmaïl Baghaï.
“All I can say is that I am considering it,” Donald Trump laconically responded to the following question asked by the press: “Are you considering a limited strike if Iran does not reach an agreement?”
See also Nuclear negotiations: Tehran willing to compromise
The two countries held a second session of indirect talks via Omani mediation on February 17 in Switzerland, in a context of intensifying American military deployment in the region, where Washington has dispatched two aircraft carriers.
Further talks, confirmed by Iran and Oman but not the United States at this stage, are planned for Thursday.
Also read: Iran: Revolutionary Guards begin military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz
The head of diplomacy Abbas Araghchi is leading the negotiations for Iran, while the United States is represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and the son-in-law of the American president, Jared Kushner.
Donald Trump wonders why Iran has not already “capitulated” to this imposing military deployment, said Steve Witkoff during an interview with Fox News on Thursday and broadcast on Saturday.
The spokesperson for Iranian diplomacy declared Monday that the Iranians had never agreed to capitulate in their history.
With AFP
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