Iran Issues Strong Warning of Retaliation If Attacked by US or Israel

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a firm warning on Sunday, asserting that Tehran will strike back forcefully if it comes under military attack by either the United States or Israel, amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking on national television, Nasirzadeh declared that Iran would respond without hesitation, targeting U.S. and Israeli assets, military bases, and personnel, regardless of location or timing, should hostilities be initiated against the Islamic Republic.

His statement followed an Israeli claim that a missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi group in Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tehran of being behind the strike and pledged a strong retaliatory action at a time of Israel’s choosing.

Nasirzadeh dismissed these allegations, stating that the Houthi movement operates independently, and their recent strikes are a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza, not directed by Tehran.

The situation escalated as the United States continued airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, following a series of drone and missile attacks attributed to the group. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now seeking re-election, reaffirmed that Iran would bear responsibility for Houthi-led aggression in the region.

Amid the rising threat level, Iran unveiled its latest military advancement—a solid-fuel ballistic missile named Qassem Bassir, capable of reaching targets up to 1,200 kilometers (750 miles). The missile’s presentation is seen as a demonstration of Iran’s readiness to defend itself against foreign threats.

Nasirzadeh emphasized that Iran seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors, but warned that any foreign aggression would trigger a strategic and calibrated military response, particularly against U.S. bases located across the region.