IRGC general warns Iran has undisclosed military capabilities as nuclear talks stall

Brigadier General MohammadJafar Asadi, deputy inspector of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Tuesday that Iran has not revealed all its military capabilities and is ready for direct confrontation with the US and NATO. The warning came as hardliners linked to acting IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi were identified as the force behind Monday's suspension of indirect negotiations with Washington.

"We have repeatedly said that we have not yet revealed all of our trump cards. There are many capabilities and options that remain undisclosed, and if necessary, we will use them," Asadi told Iranian state-run television on Tuesday. "When surrender is not an option, then war lies ahead," he said, adding that NATO involvement would not alter Iran's readiness. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters is Iran's main centralized wartime command centre, overseeing strategic military operations across the armed forces under the broader authority of the IRGC and the ayatollah.

At the diplomatic level, Iranian state-linked Fars news outlet reported that no messages are currently being exchanged between Tehran and Washington, and that talks aimed at an initial framework have been paused for several days. Saeed Ajorlou, a member of the Iranian negotiating team's media unit, said proposals are still under review by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and expert committees, with no final decision taken. A separate source cited by Mehr news agency said Iran is still evaluating a draft agreement but is insisting on "tangible benefits and enforceable guarantees" before moving forward, citing mistrust of previous US commitments.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains engaged in talks with Tehran. "US discussions with Iran may now cover aspects of their nuclear programme that, just a month ago or even a year ago, they were unwilling to even discuss," Rubio said. However, he cautioned: "That is not a guarantee it will ultimately lead to a deal that's acceptable." US President Donald Trump said on Monday evening that negotiations with Tehran have continued "at a rapid pace" despite Iran's claims to the contrary.

According to the latest joint assessment by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute, acting IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi and his close associates were behind the decision to suspend Iran–US negotiations on Monday. Speaker of Iran's parliament and head of Tehran's negotiating team, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is seen as representing a more pragmatic approach and has shown greater flexibility in the talks so far. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the Iran-US ceasefire framework "unequivocally" covers all fronts, including Lebanon, warning that violations in one arena could affect the broader arrangement.