Iran has warned that any major new US-led attack would trigger sustained strikes against American bases and interests across the region, as its military said it had information that an assault was being prepared.
The Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, which assumes operational command of Iran’s armed forces during wartime, said regional allies of the United States would also be treated as parties to the conflict.
“If you make a mistake, you will be the target of painful attacks,” the headquarters said in a statement carried by Iranian state media. “All of that country’s deployment centres and interests in the region will be targeted with continuous, effective and painful attacks, without any restrictions or considerations.”
The statement did not provide details of the intelligence it said pointed to a forthcoming US attack. Iranian media also cited unconfirmed reports of a meeting involving US representatives in a European country, where agreements were allegedly reached on renewed strikes against Iran.
The reports further claimed that some Arab countries had approved the alleged plans. The claims could not be independently verified.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued a separate warning that Iran could target US ships anywhere in the Indian Ocean if strikes resumed.
Mr Rezaei told broadcaster Al Jazeera that Iran’s military had acquired the capability to carry out such attacks.
The US State Department issued a security alert on Saturday warning of the potential for unforeseen escalation in the Middle East. US citizens were urged to exercise greater vigilance and prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.
The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s claim that it had information about an impending attack.
Nearly seven months into the US-Iran war, neither side has appeared willing to make the major concessions required to end the fighting. A US blockade of Iranian ports has prevented Iran from selling its oil, adding to severe economic difficulties.
Iran said on Sunday that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the terms of an interim ceasefire agreed in June, as interpreted by Tehran, had been met. The agreement collapsed in July amid disputes over its conditions.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the country would need to continue both fighting and negotiating to resist its enemies and secure any gains through diplomacy.
