Tehran has affirmed that it will not hesitate to respond to any American assault targeting its soil, following the White House’s refusal to rule out the possibility of a direct strike against Iran.
The United States has launched a series of unilateral strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the death of three American servicemen in a drone attack at a base in Jordan on January 28.
Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, announced on Sunday that the United States “will continue” its response against Tehran-aligned groups in Iraq and Syria, but did not clarify whether Washington excludes the option of striking Iran directly.
During his weekly press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani stated, “Iran will not hesitate to utilize its capabilities to deliver a response that will make the aggressors regret their actions.”
He added, “Others have already experienced this capability and strength and will think twice before taking any adverse actions.”
The United States and the United Kingdom announced the bombing of dozens of targets in Yemen on Saturday, responding to repeated attacks by the Iran-supported Houthis on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Kanani condemned the airstrikes in Iraq, Yemen, and Syria, labeling them as “reckless” and “illegal,” and described them as part of a “full support” policy for Israel. The Houthis claim their actions are in “support” of the Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in a conflict with Hamas.
The US military revealed on Sunday that it had conducted airstrikes against five missiles in Yemen, prepared to target ships in the Red Sea.
On Monday, the spokesperson clarified that Tehran “does not seek to escalate tensions and crises in the region and has never supported such tensions and crises.”
This development underscores the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the potential for further escalation.