Tehran, Jan 31 (NationPress) Iran's Army Chief Amir Hatami issued a stern warning on Saturday, stating that any misstep by the United States could endanger not only its own security but also that of Israel and the entire West Asia region, as reported by the official news agency IRNA.

During a national festival in Tehran, Hatami highlighted the Iranian armed forces' preparedness as tensions between Iran and Washington escalate.

"Currently, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully prepared for defense and are vigilantly observing enemy movements in the region. We remain ready to act," he declared.

He further stated, "Any mistake from the enemy will undeniably compromise its own safety and that of Israel and the region at large."

Hatami also expressed appreciation for neighboring countries that have pledged not to permit their territories or airspace to be used against Iran, asserting that these nations recognize that any threat to Iran would create insecurity for the entire region.

He stressed that if the opposing side genuinely seeks resolution, it must engage with the Iranian populace respectfully.

This warning comes amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump previously stated that a "massive armada," led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is en route to Iran, cautioning that "time is running out" for Tehran to negotiate with the United States.

On Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated in Istanbul that Iran is open to negotiations with the US, but only in the absence of threats.

Additionally, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged both the United States and Iran to restart negotiations and achieve a "peaceful, consensual resolution" to the nuclear dilemma, as per the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty conducted separate discussions with his counterparts from Iran, Qatar, Türkiye, and Oman, along with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, to deliberate on regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions, according to a ministry statement.

These talks followed Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi's call for de-escalation in the Middle East.

The minister reiterated that military solutions are untenable for the region's challenges, advocating for enhanced diplomatic efforts and dialogue to avert a descent into insecurity and instability.

He called for continuous communication among involved parties to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiation table, aiming for a peaceful, mutually respectful settlement that serves the interests of all.

Abdelatty's counterparts concurred on intensifying de-escalation efforts and prioritizing diplomatic resolutions.

This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, as EU foreign ministers recently agreed to classify Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a move Tehran has denounced as "hostile and provocative."