Iranian MP warns of reciprocal response to any US nuclear strike

An Iranian parliamentarian has issued a stark warning that the Islamic Republic would respond symmetrically if the United States were to launch a nuclear attack on Iranian territory. Fada Hossein Maleki, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, made the remarks during an interview with Khabar Online, addressing a media report that raised the possibility of such a US strike. While Maleki expressed doubt that President Donald Trump would risk such an escalation, he cautioned that an ill-considered action could plunge the world into a dangerous war.

Tehran's deterrence posture and military capabilities

When pressed on whether Iran would use nuclear weapons in response to a US nuclear attack, Maleki stated: "Whatever the US uses, Iran will respond to it." He did not, however, explicitly confirm that Iran possesses nuclear warheads. The lawmaker further asserted that Iran has transitioned from a defensive strategy to what he described as "active and offensive deterrence," adding that many of the country's weapons and military capabilities remain undisclosed. Maleki warned Washington that any military move could draw a response "at the same level or even beyond," emphasizing that Iran has "multiple options" at its disposal.

Nuclear threats and regional stability concerns

The lawmaker's comments come amid heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against American and Israeli assets across the region. Maleki accused Trump of failing to honor commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June under Pakistani mediation, which was intended to end hostilities and pave the way for final negotiations. Talks have since stalled over disputes concerning implementation, particularly issues related to the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments.