Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States following airstrikes on its nuclear sites. President Masoud Pezeshkian told French President Emmanuel Macron that the US must face consequences for its actions.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Pezeshkian said, “The Americans must receive a response to their aggression.”

His statement came soon after the attacks, signaling that Iran was preparing to retaliate.

Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Advisor Issues Threats

Ali Akbar Velayati, a top advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, added to the warning. He said the conflict was not over and that the US had made itself a target in the region.

He declared, “Any country in the region or elsewhere that is used by American forces to strike Iran will be considered a legitimate target for our armed forces.”

Velayati also said the US had lost its place in the Middle East. He added, “America has attacked the heart of the Islamic world and must await irreparable consequences, because the Islamic Republic does not tolerate any insult or aggression against itself.”

Iran Promises to Defend Itself

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also reacted strongly. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran would use “all necessary means” to protect its people and its territory.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Iran is resolutely determined to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and people by all necessary means.”

He condemned the US airstrikes as an attack by a nuclear-armed nation against a country without nuclear weapons. He called it an “unconscionable act of aggression – perpetrated by a nuclear-armed state… against a non-nuclear weapon country.”

US Signals Openness to Talks

While Iran promised retaliation, the United States took a more diplomatic tone. The Trump administration said it did not want a long war. It also expressed interest in restarting negotiations with Tehran.

The message came from several top US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and senior military leaders. They appeared united and confident that the situation could be managed.

US Officials Downplay War Intentions

At a press briefing, Defense Secretary Hegseth made the US position clear. He said, “This mission was not and has not been about regime change.” He added that America “does not seek war” with Iran.

Vice President Vance said the strikes might actually open the door for Iran to return to negotiations.