Iran says it will expand retaliation targets if US launches new attacks
Iranian officials warned they are preparing a broader and stronger response if the United States resumes large‑scale military operations. The plan includes expanding potential targets beyond U.S. interests in the Middle East and directing allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to be ready.
Iran is preparing a broader and stronger response if the United States launches a new large‑scale military campaign.12345 Iranian officials are considering expanding the list of potential targets beyond U.S. facilities and interests in countries that support U.S. military operations.1345 Instructions have been passed to Iranian‑backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to be ready to support Iran in case of a new U.S. attack.145 Iran has submitted a proposal through Qatari mediators for a seven‑day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the United States rejected.1 The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and additional Marine forces to the Middle East, potentially bringing three carrier strike groups to the region by the end of November.2 A wider conflict could affect airspace and flight operations over the Gulf and surrounding Middle‑East regions, impacting airlines and airports such as Doha, Tehran, Beirut and Baghdad.245