India, May 11 -- Tensions in the Middle East escalated further after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's response to a proposed peace plan, while Tehran warned the United States and Israel of "surprising options" if hostilities resume.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran remained open to diplomacy but would respond strongly to any renewed aggression.

"We will fight whenever we are forced to fight, but diplomacy will continue whenever possible," Baghaei said during a press conference, adding that all decisions would be guided by Iran's national interests.

The remarks came after Trump described Iran's response to a proposed peace agreement as "totally unacceptable". Posting on his Truth Social platform,...