Tehran signals defense preparedness as US weighs next steps

An Iranian army commander has said the country’s military remains fully prepared for any scenario as diplomatic uncertainty deepens between Iran and the US.

Brigadier General Nozar Nemati, deputy commander of Iran’s Army Ground Forces, said that Iran’s military remains on high alert. “The armed forces, especially the Army, are always ready to defend the ideals of the Islamic Republic and protect the country’s borders,” he told IRNA on Saturday.

His comments came just hours after US President Donald Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, offering negotiations but warning of military consequences if talks fail over Iran's nuclear program.

"I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," Trump told Fox Business Network in a segment of the interview broadcast on Friday. "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily or through a deal. I would prefer to make a deal".

Later on Friday, Trump told reporters at the Oval Office, “We are at the final moments with Iran,” adding that “something’s going to happen very soon.”

The letter was swiftly rejected by an official outlet of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dismissing it as a psychological operation. Iran’s UN mission in New York also stated it had received no such letter.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on Friday, had accused Israel of trying to pull the US into a regional war. “It is Israel’s desire to involve other countries in war. It is Israel’s desire to draw America into war,” Araghchi told AFP, warning that US intervention would leave Washington “extremely vulnerable.”

Amid the growing tensions, Nemati reaffirmed Iran’s border security efforts, noting that the country has reinforced its defenses and remains in coordination with IRGC forces. “Our forces are stationed across all critical border areas, working in complete harmony to ensure security,” he said.

Iran has also continued large-scale military drills, including Zolfaghar 1403, which last month showcased its naval, air, and ground combat capabilities.

Trump’s remarks come as his administration escalates its economic pressure campaign on Iran. On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined a renewed “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at cutting Iran’s oil revenues and further devaluing its currency.