Iran Warns of New Front if US Resumes Offensive; Qatar Says Talks Need More Time
On May 19, the Iranian military warned it would open a new front with new equipment if the US resumes its offensive. Meanwhile, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman stated that negotiations mediated by Pakistan, aimed at ending the US-Iran war that began on Feb. 28, require more time. Since a ceasefire on April 8, only one round of talks has been held. Although US President Trump has delayed an attack at the request of Middle Eastern nations, he has also ordered the US military to prepare for a full-scale assault, keeping tensions high.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 22:22
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 22:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 22:49 (18 min after Collected)
(CNA Tehran/Doha, 19th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The Iranian military warned today that it would 'open a new front' if the US resumes its offensive. Additionally, the Qatari government noted on the same day that the US-Iran negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, still require more time to reach an agreement. The Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported that Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that if the enemy launches a new wave of attacks on Iran, 'we will open a new front with new equipment and new combat methods.' Washington and Tehran have been continuously exchanging proposals in an attempt to end the Middle East war that broke out on February 28. A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in effect since April 8, but the two sides have held only one round of talks. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari emphasized at a press conference today: 'We support the diplomatic efforts made by Pakistan, which has shown sincerity in facilitating meetings between all parties to seek a solution. We do believe that diplomatic mediation needs more time.' US President Donald Trump wrote on social media yesterday that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had requested him to delay a planned military attack on Iran, scheduled for today, on the grounds that substantive negotiations are currently underway. Ansari said, 'We hope to protect the people of this region from becoming the biggest victims of escalating conflict.' However, Trump has also ordered the US military to be prepared to launch a 'full and large-scale attack' on Iran at any time if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached. Akraminia also mentioned today that Iran has used this ceasefire period to 'strengthen its operational capabilities,' but he did not provide further details. According to the Iranian Students' News Agency, he also reiterated that Iran continues to control the strategic Strait of Hormuz, keeping the strait in a state of blockade, and intends to charge fees for passing vessels. (Translator: Hong Pei-Ying) 1150519