Iran Fires Back at Trump, Says Ready for War for 5 Years
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative outright rejected Trump’s claims of ongoing negotiations, stating that Tehran will not engage in talks with the U.S. and is prepared to continue the war for five years. He accused the U.S. of launching attacks during past negotiations and emphasized that Iran, with its experience in prolonged conflict, will not bow before its adversaries.
As tensions in West Asia escalate, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative to India, Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, on Saturday firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran is seeking negotiations, stating that Iran is prepared to continue the war for up to five years. In an interview with ANI, Elahi denied that Iran currently wishes to engage in talks with the United States, accusing Washington of targeting Tehran during previous negotiations.
Elahi said, “No, absolutely not. Iran does not want to negotiate with them at this time because they initiated this war. We have experience with them—twice, while negotiating, they attacked us. They targeted us. Tehran will not bow before its enemies and is prepared for a prolonged conflict if necessary.” Drawing parallels with the Iran-Iraq war, he emphasized Iran’s experience in long-term warfare.
He added, “I cannot specify a timeline for this war. But I do know that Iran is ready to continue this conflict to the end, even for five years. We have the experience. During the Iran-Iraq war, we fought for eight years, and we were prepared. If you visit the streets of Iran, you will see people there chanting slogans of resistance. They are ready to give their blood, but not their land.”
Elahi also highlighted Iran’s repeated efforts to prevent escalation in the region, calling on neighboring countries to help contain the conflict in the Middle East. “We did not want war. We have repeatedly tried to avert any conflict in this region and have advised our neighbors to stay clear because this area can no longer tolerate war,” he said. He expressed concern over the ongoing hostilities, noting that the conflict is affecting not only the Iranian people but also driving global energy prices up and creating far-reaching economic impacts worldwide.