Iran issues chilling warning as it threatens to strike US, Israel ‘wherever and whenever'

 

    

Tensions Escalate as Iran Issues Strong Warning Amid Regional Turmoil

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning on Sunday, vowing that Tehran would retaliate forcefully if attacked by either the United States or Israel, raising fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East.

His remarks came on the heels of a vow by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike back against Iran. Netanyahu's statement followed a missile launch by Yemen's Houthi rebels—an Iran-aligned faction—that landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the country's main international hub.

“If the United States or the Zionist regime initiates war, Iran will strike their bases, interests, and forces—wherever they are, whenever necessary,” Nasirzadeh declared on Iranian state television.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, framing it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the escalating violence in Gaza. Israel, however, directly blamed Iran, with Netanyahu posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Attacks by the Houthis originate in Iran. Israel will retaliate—against both the Houthi attack on our airport and their Iranian terror masters—at a time and place of our choosing.”

While Nasirzadeh denied direct Iranian involvement, he reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Houthis' autonomy and right to resist. The group has repeatedly targeted Israel with drones and missiles, citing support for Hamas.

The United States has increased its military engagement in the region, launching airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since March 15. Former President Donald Trump added to the pressure, stating that Iran should be held accountable for any Houthi-led attacks.

Nasirzadeh stressed that Iran does not seek conflict with neighboring countries but made clear that any U.S. military installations in the region would be legitimate targets in the event of aggression against Iran.

His remarks coincided with the unveiling of Iran’s new solid-fuel ballistic missile, the “Qassem Bassir,” which Iranian media claim has a range of 1,200 kilometers (approximately 750 miles).

As hostilities escalate, fears are mounting that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict involving major global powers. Netanyahu continues to push for a hardline policy, demanding the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and a “zero enrichment” policy similar to the disarmament deal reached with Libya.

Tehran, however, insists that its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable. Still, three Iranian officials told Reuters that Iran is open to negotiating limits on the size of its enriched uranium stockpile, exporting enriched materials abroad, and reducing the number of operational centrifuges.

One proposal under discussion during April negotiations would see Iran cap uranium enrichment at 3.67%, aligning with the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iranian sources also indicated a willingness to expand access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to monitor nuclear facilities.

While these measures fall short of the complete dismantlement demanded by Israel and some U.S. officials, they aim to impose durable restrictions to prevent Iran from reaching nuclear breakout capability.