Iran Defense Chief Says Tehran Treats Every Threat as Real

Iran’s acting defense minister, Brig. Gen. Seyyed Majid Ibn Al-Reza, said Tehran considers every threat real even when it views recent statements as psychological and cognitive warfare. He said Iran would neither be surprised nor remain passive, and was using the threats to raise readiness, reinforce deterrence and expand capabilities. The statement followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that he was canceling planned U.S. strikes while regional governments pursued parameters for an agreement. Trump said Israel had joined the commitment to seek a deal that would open the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s nuclear threat.