Iran’s military said it had increased its level of preparedness and threatened a “crushing and devastating response” for any attack by Israeli forces.
Newsweek has contacted the Israeli prime minister’s office and the U.S. State Department for comment
Why It Matters
The warning from Iran’s military is an indication of the persisting tensions in the region and the threat of a return to all-out war despite the ceasefire agreed with Israel after its strikes on the military leadership and Iran’s nuclear program, with the United States also attacking nuclear facilities.
Rather than seeking nuclear talks with President Donald Trump‘s administration, Iran has sounded a defiant note, saying it would suspend cooperation with inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA.
Iranian Army Press Service/AP
What To Know
“Our armed forces are more prepared than in the past and in the event of any renewed aggression by the Zionist regime, they will face a crushing and devastating response, Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iran’s military spokesperson said, according to Mehr News Agency.
Trump said the U.S. strikes resulted in the “total obliteration” of Iranian nuclear sites, but uncertainty remains over the status of the country’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles. Iran has always said it does not have any military goals for its nuclear program, but it had accelerated production of near bomb-grade uranium.
The 12-day conflict that followed Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities ended with a U.S.-Qatari brokered ceasefire, but there has been no sign of lasting agreement. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has referred to Trump as an “enemy of God”.
What People Are Saying
Iran’s Armed Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, as quoted by Mehr News Agency: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never considered the word ‘cessation of conflict’ as an option. The Zionist regime is never trustworthy, neither for anywhere in the world nor for Iran.”
U.S. president Donald Trump told Fox News Channel: “They didn’t think it was going to be actually doable what we did. And what we did is amazing…Israel was able to do damage but we did the final damage.”
Senior Iranian politician Ali Shamkhani, as quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA): “Even assuming that the facilities have been entirely destroyed, the game would not be over, because enriched material, homegrown knowhow, and political will remain. Now, the political and operational initiative — with the right to legitimate defense — is held by the party that both knows how to play it smart and avoids indiscriminate fire. More surprises will be coming!”
What Happens Next
With nuclear negotiations now stalled, the Middle East is growing concerned about the potential renewal of military conflict with Iran.