Iran’s military has warned that the conflict in the Middle East could expand significantly if the United States resumes attacks against the Islamic Republic, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington.
The warning was issued on Sunday by Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, who accused the United States of aligning with Israel and cautioned against further military action.
“I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists’ deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” Akraminia told state television.
He said the conflict had already spread to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, referring to the recent escalation involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.
According to Akraminia, Iran’s military operations now extend across a broad area of the Middle East.
“The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf,” he said.
The army spokesman also described the United States’ position in the region as increasingly uncertain.
“The situation in the Middle East for the United States is difficult and unsettled,” he said, adding that Washington was now looking “for a new strategy.”
He stressed that Iran was prepared for any possible development.
“We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely,” he added.
The warning comes ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
In a statement on Friday, Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader would depart for Washington on Monday for talks with Trump and would also attend the funeral service of Senator Lindsey Graham, whom it described as “a friend of Israel.”
Since Trump’s return to office last year, the two leaders have met six times, most recently on February 11 in Washington.
Although Trump and Netanyahu initially presented a united front after launching a joint military campaign against Iran in late February, differences have emerged in recent months over whether to sustain military pressure on Tehran or pursue a diplomatic settlement.
Netanyahu has repeatedly described Trump as “the greatest friend” Israel has ever had in the White House.
However, the relationship has shown signs of strain, particularly during negotiations over a US-Iran ceasefire in April, which ultimately collapsed.
Earlier this month, Trump sought to downplay reports of tensions between the two leaders.
“We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is,” Trump said in a telephone interview with Axios, referring to himself.
AFP
