Iran's vice president vows asymmetrical response as US rejects talks over ship attacks

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref announced that Tehran will mount an “asymmetrical” and “multi‑layered” response to recent United States strikes targeting Iranian interests in the Middle East. The statement, delivered in a televised briefing on Thursday, came after U.S. forces carried out a series of air and naval operations against facilities in Iran‑linked militias in Iraq and Syria, which Iranian officials described as an escalation of hostilities.

Aref, who oversees Iran’s foreign policy and national security coordination, said the forthcoming retaliation would be calibrated to inflict strategic costs on the United States while avoiding direct conventional confrontation. He emphasized that Iran’s response would involve a range of measures, including cyber operations, proxy actions, and diplomatic initiatives, aimed at deterring further aggression. The vow underscores the heightened tension between the two nations following the U.S. administration’s recent decision to re‑impose sanctions and the ongoing disputes over regional influence. Tehran’s pledge signals a continued cycle of reciprocal actions, with both sides warning of broader repercussions if the situation escalates further.