By Staff Reporter
TEHRAN/BEIJING — Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States amid rising regional tensions, saying any renewed conflict would bring “many more surprises,” while Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing for strategic talks dominated by the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had gained significant military experience from previous confrontations and was prepared for any future escalation.
“A return to war will feature many more surprises,” Araghchi warned on Wednesday, in remarks seen as a direct message to Washington and its allies.
The comments came as US President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Tehran, saying Iran had “two to three days” to reach an agreement with Washington. US Vice President JD Vance meanwhile said negotiators had made “a lot of progress” in ongoing talks.
In Beijing, Xi welcomed Putin for discussions expected to focus heavily on energy cooperation, military partnerships and global security, with both leaders seeking closer coordination as geopolitical tensions deepen.
The summit comes at a critical moment as conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe continue reshaping international alliances and economic relations.
Meanwhile, tensions also escalated in Gaza after Israeli forces intercepted another vessel from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The interception marked the 61st such operation, amid growing international criticism over the detention of activists attempting to reach the besieged Palestinian territory.
