Iran has hit back at Donald Trump, warning its armed forces have their ‘fingers on the trigger’ and that it will ‘respond like never before’ if the US carries out military strikes, after the president threatened ‘major destruction’.

Trump on Wednesday warned that America’s ‘massive armada’ is poised to strike with ‘speed and violence’ unless Tehran abandons its nuclear ambitions.

Writing on Truth Social on Wednesday, the president said: ‘A massive Armada is heading to Iran. 

‘It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela.

‘Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. 

‘Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties.

‘Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again.’

It did not take long for Iran to respond.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, warned on X that Tehran’s forces were ready to retaliate.

He said: ‘Our brave Armed Forces are prepared – with their fingers on the trigger – to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea.

‘The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and profoundly.

‘At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL – on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation – which ensures Iran’s rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

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