Iran Claims US 'Shifted Tone' Amid Talks; Warns of Retaliation, Eyes Russian Fighter Jets

Iran has indicated a potential shift in diplomatic engagement with the United States, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing recent US outreach as a "positive step" during talks with mediators in Doha. This change in tone is attributed to a letter from US Vice President JD Vance, which Iran's Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei confirmed receiving and reviewing. While Tehran has studied the communication, Iranian officials have stated there are currently no plans for direct meetings with US counterparts, with indirect discussions continuing through Qatari and Pakistani mediation.

Despite this diplomatic overture, Iran has maintained a firm stance on potential military actions. Senior Iranian military leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, have issued strong warnings of immediate and geographically unrestricted retaliation should the United States launch any new attacks. Iran's Foreign Ministry also emphasized that any military strike by Washington would be met with an "effective and painful" response, with countries supporting such actions considered parties to the conflict.

Concurrently, Iran has reiterated its intentions to bolster its air defense capabilities with Russian assistance. An Iranian army spokesman confirmed that the purchase of advanced Russian Su-35 fighter jets has been finalized, with pilot training reportedly complete. However, the delivery of these fighter jets is anticipated only after the ongoing "war" or conflict concludes, according to recent statements from Tehran.