Iran says its forces stand ready after reports Trump considers renewing war with Tehran
Iranian military officials announced on May 11, 2026 that the country's armed forces are prepared to respond to any further attacks, after U.S. media reports indicated former President Donald Trump was contemplating a renewed military campaign against Tehran.
The comments arrive amid heightened tensions following a series of covert Israeli‑U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities earlier in the year. Tehran has repeatedly warned that any escalation would trigger a proportional response, and the new statements appear aimed at deterring a potential U.S. offensive.
The Times of Israel (ID 34113) relayed the remarks of Iranian Air Force commander Brig. Gen. Amir‑Ali Ghalibaf, who stated that only a “recognition of the rights of the Iranian people” would end the hostilities. The article also mentioned that Pakistan is allegedly hosting Iranian aircraft despite its role as a mediator, hinting at a broader regional dimension.
Security experts note that Trump’s rumored involvement adds a unpredictable variable to an already volatile situation. “A former president returning to the political arena with a hawkish stance could destabilize the fragile cease‑fire mechanisms in place,” said Dr. Omar Haddad, a senior analyst at the Arabic Gulf Institute. Regional diplomats, however, caution against inflaming the situation without concrete evidence of Trump’s intentions.
The next steps will involve monitoring official statements from the White House and the Iranian foreign ministry. A U.N. Security Council meeting is slated for later this month to discuss the broader Middle East security environment, which could provide a platform for diplomatic de‑escalation or, conversely, further entrench positions.