By The South Asia Times

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday has accused the administration of Donald Trump of escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning that Tehran is fully prepared to intensify its military response if tensions continue to rise.

In a strongly worded statement, Araghchi said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously signaled openness to regional de-escalation, provided neighboring countries did not allow their airspace, territory, or waters to be used for attacks against Iran. However, he said that possibility was quickly undermined by what he described as Washington’s “misinterpretation” of Iran’s capabilities and determination.

“If Mr. Trump seeks escalation, it is precisely what our powerful armed forces have long been prepared for,” Araghchi said, warning that responsibility for any intensification of Iran’s military response would rest with the U.S. administration.

The Iranian minister also claimed that the conflict had already imposed significant costs on the United States, estimating that the past week of fighting had cost the U.S. military around $100 billion and resulted in casualties among American personnel. He warned that the economic impact could grow further once global markets react to the ongoing crisis.

Araghchi said he had previously warned U.S. intermediaries that a war with Iran would not strengthen Washington’s negotiating position. He questioned whether those warnings were properly conveyed to the White House.

The remarks come as tensions continue to escalate between Iran, the United States, and Israel following a wave of military strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region.

He also claimed the US targeted a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island and halted water supply to 30 villages.

"The U.S. committed a blatant and desperate crime by attacking a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island. Water supply in 30 villages has been impacted. Attacking Iran's infrastructure is a dangerous move with grave consequences. The U.S. set this precedent, not Iran," he warned.

- Escalating conflict since late February

The confrontation intensified on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, triggering a cycle of retaliation that has expanded across the Middle East. According to various regional reports, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict, with many of the casualties reported to be civilians, including women and children.

Iran has since launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli positions and against locations in several Gulf countries that host U.S. military facilities, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The growing confrontation has raised fears of a wider regional war and prompted evacuations of foreign nationals from several Middle Eastern countries.

Araghchi also criticized the role of Israel in the conflict, alleging that the U.S. had been drawn into what he described as Israel’s long-standing confrontation with Iran. He argued that many Americans had voted to avoid costly military engagements in the Middle East, but were now facing the prospect of another prolonged conflict.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, international observers say diplomatic efforts may still emerge as regional and global powers seek to prevent the crisis from turning into a broader war.