Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have signalled that they are ready to defend their country as the United States continues to threaten a military attack, amid regional diplomatic efforts to avoid a new conflict. And in Iran, top political, military and judicial authorities continue to send messages of defiance, indicating that Iran’s focus is on defence, and not talks. Army preparedIran has emphasised its military strength in recent days, following on from numerous military exercises held since June’s 12-day war, when a number of its senior military officials were killed, and nuclear sites were attacked. ‘Our people will die’In Tehran and across the country, Iranians have closely followed Trump’s often contradictory rhetoric – renewing threats while also expressing his willingness to talk. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delegated some authorities to governors of Iran’s border provinces, allowing them to import essential goods, especially food, in case of war.