Iran says no one will dare attack despite US military buildup in region

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that no nation would dare attack Iran due to its high state of military preparedness.

Speaking at a Red Crescent New Year's headquarters meeting on Monday, Araghchi said, "Our enemies are well aware of the consequences of any aggression against our territory,” emphasizing the readiness of Iran's armed forces and emergency services.

He added that this readiness acts as a deterrent, ensuring no one has the power or courage to violate Iran's borders.

"Our adversaries are fully aware of the high level of capability and readiness possessed by our armed forces, emergency services, and government. This preparedness provides us with immunity and strength, effectively deterring any potential aggression against our territory."

Elsewhere in his remarks, he affirmed that Iran rejects direct negotiations with the US, but is open to indirect talks through intermediaries.

'The Islamic Republic of Iran, under maximum pressure and the threats it faces, will definitely notenter into direct negotiations with the United States. This is our clear policy and it will continue until there is a change in the other side's approach towards the Iranian people.”

Araghchi asserted, “The current outlook is that, with the accusations being made and the unreasonable demands that are repeated daily, we will not enter into any direct negotiations with the American side.”

He added,“However, the path for indirect negotiations is open, and there are various channels through which it can be done.”

Araghchi's comments come as the United States significantly increases its naval presence in the Middle East, a move directly linked to escalating tensions with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region next month, a rare deployment intended to bolster US strikes against the Houthis, whose primary benefactor is Iran.

This buildup follows persistent Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, which the group frames as a response to the Israeli war in Gaza.

The extended deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman and the expedited arrival of the USS Carl Vinson will provide US commanders with increased capacity for patrols and strikes.

The US has maintained a consistent naval presence in the Middle East, with carrier strike groups rotating through the region. This current deployment, however, marks a notable increase in firepower, potentially signaling a stronger deterrent message to Iran amidst regional tensions.

The comments also follow two aerial attacks by Israel last year which saw a major weakening of Iran's air defenses, which Iran has played down as the two countries play out their tit-for-tat attacks.