TEHRAN: Iran has warned that any new US attack on its territory would trigger a “much heavier” response, saying it would target any site or facility used to launch attacks against Iran.
The warning was issued on Monday in a joint statement by Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. The two military bodies accused Washington of continuing to use the territory, airspace and facilities of regional countries to conduct military operations against Iran.
Iran said it respected the sovereignty of neighbouring states but would “never tolerate aggression”. It warned that any further US attack would be met with a significantly stronger response, pointing to overnight strikes carried out jointly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army.
“The US has no choice but to leave the region,” the statement said.
The Iranian military also warned countries facilitating US military operations that any source of an attack would be targeted with “overwhelming force”.
“Do not test” the resolve of Iran’s armed forces again, the statement added.
The warning came as the United States reportedly considers limited military action in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar and missile systems that could threaten shipping.
According to Axios, citing three US officials, US Central Command drafted a plan over the past week, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supporting the proposal. The plan had not received approval from President Donald Trump before the latest exchange of fire, but officials said the escalation could influence his decision.
One US official said the proposed action would seek to reduce the risk of Iranian attacks against oil tankers, US Navy vessels and Air Force aircraft.
A White House official told Axios that “all options” remained available to the president, while saying Iran wanted a deal but had repeatedly failed to act in time.
US officials also pointed to a recent incident in which an Iranian anti-aircraft missile was reportedly fired toward a US F-35 aircraft escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. They said Iranian missile attacks on US bases in Jordan following a US strike on Iranian troops could further influence Trump’s response.
Trump, meanwhile, told Fox News that the United States would “hit them hard” in response.
Speaking at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz was in “extremely good shape”, claiming US naval assistance had helped an average of 30 ships pass through the waterway each night.
“Many, many ships got through last night,” Trump said, arguing that the flow of oil through the strait had helped prevent a sharp rise in global oil prices.
Trump also described Iran as a “failed nation”, citing what he claimed was 350% inflation, problems with its currency and difficulties in paying its military personnel.
He further claimed that much of Iran’s military leadership, navy, air force and surveillance capabilities had been weakened, while acknowledging that the situation remained uncertain.
“I don’t really think they know who their leader is,” Trump said.
The escalating rhetoric comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz remaining a major concern for global energy markets and international shipping.
Story by Anadolu Agency
