Iran's military central command issued a stern warning on Sunday against any major new attacks by the United States and its allies, stating it possesses intelligence indicating such preparations are underway. The statement intensifies regional anxieties following recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia.
The Iranian military's central command declared through state media that any new offensive would be met with sustained retaliation against U.S. bases and interests. Furthermore, Washington's regional allies would be deemed complicit in any conflict. Specific details regarding the intelligence of an impending U.S. attack were not provided.
This warning follows a U.S. State Department security alert issued on Saturday, which advised of potential unforeseen escalations in the Middle East and urged increased vigilance among Americans. The alert also cautioned about possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.
The region remains on edge, particularly after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and a major oil facility in Yanbu on Saturday. These claims came as the Houthis made significant advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast. Reuters footage depicted a substantial plume of smoke near Riyadh's main international airport after explosions were heard overnight. Saudi Arabia has not officially commented on these specific incidents, although a Saudi-led coalition stated it had thwarted other attacks on the kingdom. The U.S. alert specifically mentioned Houthi hostilities targeting Saudi civilian airports.
The recent Houthi advances have placed the group's forces near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially increasing their control over shipping traffic between the Red Sea and Asia. This situation, coupled with Iran's existing influence over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, has significantly impacted the region's energy exports to global markets. Meanwhile, a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is reportedly hindering Iran's oil sales, contributing to economic difficulties within the Islamic Republic.
Despite the ongoing pressures and damages inflicted by the conflict, there appears to be little indication of a return to the interim ceasefire agreement that collapsed in July. Iran reiterated on Sunday its stance that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened until its interpretation of the June agreement's terms is met. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf emphasized the necessity for Iran to pursue both fighting and negotiation to counter adversaries and solidify diplomatic gains.
