Iranian Speaker of Parliament and chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has declared the country's armed forces fully prepared to respond to any American military action, dismissing US threats as empty rhetoric.
The statement marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Tehran at a critical juncture in US-Iran relations.
The comments come as President Donald Trump intensifies public pressure on Iran, warning of "massive" military consequences if negotiations do not accelerate.
This hardening of positions contrasts with earlier reports of a mutual understanding on a potential agreement, facilitated by Pakistan as an intermediary.
The divergence between diplomatic backchannels and public posturing suggests significant friction in the peace process.
Markets remain sensitive to the geopolitical volatility.