Iran ‘not going to get bogged down in talks’ – source

A response to a potential US attack would be “broad and unlimited,” according to defense official

Iran will not give in to US blackmail over its nuclear program, an Iranian defense source told RT on Saturday. The official warned that any potential US or Israeli attack on Iran would be met with a “broad and unlimited response.”

The source said the US is “well aware of Iran’s capability and determination to respond,” and that President Donald Trump is “buying time to try to force Iran to accept his terms by increasing military and political pressure.”

“Iran is not going to get bogged down in a long and fruitless negotiation process. A negotiation where the prospect of lifting sanctions is weak has no value for Iran,” the source said.

Tensions between the US and Iran continued this week as Omani-mediated talks between Iranian and US officials in Geneva produced no breakthroughs.

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Trump, who tore up the 2015 UN-backed nuclear deal during his first term in office, has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. On Thursday, he gave Iran between 10 and 15 days to reach an agreement.

The US has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and additional bombers to the Middle East. Multiple media outlets claim that Trump is considering strikes on Iran.

Iran has responded to the military buildup by holding snap live-fire drills, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said it would target American bases in the region if attacked.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and a sovereign right. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MSNBC on Friday that Iran would submit a new draft proposal soon, adding that although the country prefers a diplomatic path, it remains “prepared for war.”