Iranian lawmaker cautions US against making a 'third mistake'

2026-02-03 - 13:15

A senior Iranian legislator has issued a sharp warning to the United States, stating that any new hostile action would be a serious miscalculation warranting a forceful reply. Hamidreza Haji Babaei, the deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, declared that a "third mistake" by Washington would draw a "decisive" response from Tehran. He framed two prior incidents—the US-backed Israeli attack last June and alleged American support for domestic protests—as the first two mistakes, setting a rhetorical line that the US should not cross. A critique of US policy and a call for Islamic solidarity In his address, Babaei levied strong criticisms against US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, accusing him of "trampling on norms." He suggested the US president acts against even his allies, a veiled reference to European partners and Ukraine. The lawmaker also condemned the creation of US-led international bodies like the "Board of Peace," alleging they serve to legitimize military action and resource exploitation. Extending his argument beyond bilateral tensions, Babaei called for Islamic nations to "unite and adopt appropriate positions against aggressors and arrogant powers," framing the conflict in broader civilizational terms. Asserting Iranian strength amid external pressure Babaei’s remarks were also designed to project confidence and resilience. Speaking in parliament earlier the same day, he asserted that the "authority of the Islamic Republic has been consolidated globally" and that Iran's enemies find this authority intolerable. This narrative of growing power and defiance is a standard element of Iran's political discourse, aimed at reinforcing domestic unity and signaling to external adversaries that pressure campaigns will not succeed in weakening the regime's resolve or strategic posture. The backdrop: Military threats and Turkish-led diplomacy This stern warning unfolds within a highly charged atmosphere marked by a substantial US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats from President Trump. Paradoxically, it coincides with a significant uptick in diplomatic activity aimed at averting open conflict. Türkiye has taken a leading role in this mediation, successfully arranging a critical meeting. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Istanbul on Friday. This planned dialogue, facilitated by Ankara, represents the most concrete step toward de-escalation and underscores Türkiye's pivotal position as a trusted intermediary capable of engaging both sides.