Iran warns of heavier price as Trump threatens massive attack

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any renewed U.S. military action against Iran would be met with a "heavier price" and called President Donald Trump's rhetoric "mindless aggression." Araghchi said countries that assist the United States would bear international responsibility for aggression and could become legitimate targets.

President Trump said the United States is "locked and loaded" and is considering a "massive attack" on Iran, suggesting that the response could expand beyond military targets to include bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure. The U.S. Central Command reported a thirteenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities and oil infrastructure, including a large‑scale attack on the Ahvaz oil region.

U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the hard‑line stance, saying a "head for an eye" policy would be applied. The escalating rhetoric has raised concerns of a broader regional confrontation, with oil prices rising above $100 a barrel following Houthi attacks and the United Kingdom stating its forces are ready to defend against any threats.