Iran Warns US of ‘Crushing Response’ if New Agreement Is Violated

Iran has issued a sharp warning to the United States, saying it will deliver a "crushing response" if Washington violates the terms of a newly agreed framework or attempts to impose additional demands during ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive agreement between the two countries.

The remarks come as Tehran and Washington enter a 60-day period of talks designed to transform a recently signed framework accord into a broader deal covering sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions, missile capabilities and regional security issues.

Iran Signals Tough Stance Ahead of Formal Talks

Iran's top negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran remains committed to implementing the conditions laid down by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei but warned that any perceived breach by the United States would trigger a strong response.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf wrote, "We are at your command; the task assigned to us by the Supreme Leader is to pursue the realisation of the conditions and clauses of the agreement. In the event of bad faith, breach of contract, and excessive demands by the opposing side, we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response to the enemy."

Escalating his rhetoric further, he added, "They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap."

The comments underscore the deep mistrust that continues to shape relations between Tehran and Washington despite the latest diplomatic breakthrough.

Khamenei Cautions Against Concessions

Earlier, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stressed that future direct negotiations with the United States should not be interpreted as Iran accepting Washington's positions.

"However, it is self-evident that the in-person negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean acceptance of the enemy's position," Khamenei said.

He also warned that Iran would not yield if the United States attempted to push for what Tehran considers excessive demands during the negotiations.

The framework agreement reached earlier this week has opened the door to further discussions on a range of contentious issues, including sanctions, Iran's nuclear programme, missile development and broader regional security concerns.

US Begins 60-Day Clock, Highlights Security and Economic Benefits

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the formal negotiation period officially began on June 18, one day after both sides agreed to a memorandum of understanding.

"I would say the 60-day period officially started today. So, yes, the deal started yesterday. We're going to start the 60-day clock today," Vance told reporters at the White House.

Defending the agreement, Vance argued that the United States had significantly reduced Iran's military capabilities while preserving its right to legitimate self-defence.

"We destroyed a substantial number of their ballistic missiles and their ballistic missile launchers themselves," Vance said.

He added that any eventual agreement would ensure Iran could not develop missile systems capable of threatening countries beyond its immediate region.

Vance also pointed to early economic benefits stemming from the easing of tensions. According to him, more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight, marking the highest volume recorded since the conflict began.

The Vice President said that the reopening of shipping routes and reduced restrictions had helped lower oil prices and ease gasoline costs in the United States, arguing that the administration's diplomatic efforts were already delivering tangible results.

As negotiations move forward, both sides face the challenge of translating a fragile framework agreement into a lasting deal while navigating decades of distrust and competing strategic interests.

(With inputs from ANI)