TEHRAN: Iran has warned that Tel Aviv would be among the targets if the United States carries out any military action against Tehran, escalating rhetoric amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Ali Shamkhani, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a current member of the country’s defence establishment, said any US strike – regardless of scale – would be considered the beginning of a war.
In a statement posted on X, Shamkhani said Iran would respond with what he described as an “immediate, comprehensive and unprecedented” reaction, targeting Tel Aviv and other supporters of any aggression.
He rejected the idea of a limited military operation, saying even a restricted attack would trigger full retaliation.
The warning follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said a large naval task force led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was moving toward the region. Trump said the deployment was aimed at ensuring US readiness, while expressing hope that Iran would return to negotiations over a new agreement that would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials say Washington’s growing military presence has increased regional instability, while reiterating Tehran’s position that it will defend its sovereignty if attacked.
