Growing tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States are raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East, as leaders exchange warnings and military activity intensifies. Iran’s parliamentary leadership has signalled a strong retaliatory stance, while Israel says it does not seek a prolonged conflict. At the same time, Washington has warned that upcoming military operations could be among the most intense since the start of the confrontation. Missile launches and reported impacts in Israel have added to the uncertainty, even as international observers call for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Iran Issues Strong Warning
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would follow an “eye for an eye” approach in response to any attacks. In a message posted on social media, he warned that no act of aggression against Iran would go unanswered and that any strike would be met with an immediate and proportionate response.
Ghalibaf also indicated that Iran could respond directly to attacks on critical infrastructure. He said that if Iran’s infrastructure were targeted during the conflict, Tehran would retaliate by striking similar infrastructure belonging to its adversaries.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected claims made by the United States that Iran’s missile capabilities had been significantly weakened. The force said it continues to deploy missiles in large numbers, some reportedly carrying warheads weighing more than one tonne.
Israel & US Signal Next Steps
Israel, however, has suggested that it does not intend to prolong the conflict indefinitely. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the country is not seeking an endless war with Iran and will consult closely with the United States when determining the appropriate time to end hostilities.
Saar told reporters in Jerusalem that discussions with Washington would guide any decision on when to conclude military operations, though he declined to provide a timeline.
At the same time, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the coming days could witness the most intense strikes against Iran since the conflict began. His comments suggest a possible escalation in military action.
Israeli media also reported missile impacts in the central Beit Shemesh area after the Israeli military detected incoming missiles from Iran. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, though no casualties had been reported at the time of the reports.
Separately, a new poll of Iranian Americans found that a majority support diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran, highlighting growing calls for de-escalation amid the continuing conflict.