Iran Warns Of ‘New Cards On Battlefield’ If War Resumes: Parliament Speaker

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 04:24 IST

Iran warns it is ready to escalate against the US and Israel as a fragile ceasefire nears its end, while Trump rejects pressure and vows a tougher deal than the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Monday warned that Tehran is prepared to escalate if hostilities with the United States and Israel resume, as a fragile two-week ceasefire nears its end.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said Iran would not engage in negotiations “under the shadow of threats" and indicated that the country has been strengthening its position during the lull in fighting.

“In the past two weeks, we have been preparing to show new cards on the battlefield," he wrote, signalling potential military or strategic responses if tensions flare again.

Amid uncertainty over talks between Iran and the US expected in Islamabad, US President Donald Trump denied being under pressure to strike a deal with Tehran, while promising that any agreement would be “far better" than the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under Barack Obama.

Read More: Ahead Of Islamabad Talks, Trump Says New Iran Deal Will Be Far Better: ‘I’m Not Under Pressure’

In a strongly worded statement, Trump dismissed reports suggesting urgency on his part. “I am under no pressure whatsoever… it will all happen relatively quickly," he said, while criticising Democrats for allegedly weakening the US position on Iran.

He further asserted that the proposed agreement would surpass the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling the earlier pact “one of the worst deals" for US security.

Tensions have also risen on the ground, with the ceasefire coming under strain after Washington claimed it had seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach its blockade, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation. Despite this, Iran has said it is “positively" reviewing the possibility of peace talks.

The developments highlight growing uncertainty over both the ceasefire’s future and diplomatic efforts, as mistrust between the sides continues to run deep.

News world Iran Warns Of ‘New Cards On Battlefield’ If War Resumes: Parliament Speaker

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