Iran’s top military leaders have warned the United States and Israel that if either country attacks again, Iran will respond with an even stronger and harsher strike.
The warning came during a meeting in Tehran between Iran’s top commanders and South Africa’s defense chief. Both countries say they share the same views against what they call “global arrogance” and “colonialism.”
This statement follows a 12-day U.S. and Israeli military campaign in June that targeted Iran’s military and nuclear sites. Iran says its warnings are meant to stop more attacks, but U.S. officials see this as talk that could increase tensions in the Middle East. Analysts believe the situation could affect not only regional security but also global oil prices and diplomatic relations.
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s armed forces chief, said Iran is ready to give a much harsher response to any new acts of aggression. After Israel and the U.S. struck Iranian targets in June, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel, and later ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar. While the damage to U.S. bases was limited, the Israel-Iran missile exchange caused major destruction and heavy losses on both sides. Iran reported more than 1,000 civilian deaths, while Israel confirmed 28 deaths from Iranian strikes. A ceasefire stopped the fighting, but both sides say they are ready to act again if necessary.
At the meeting, Iranian officials praised South Africa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza, calling it a brave move. They also discussed sharing intelligence, working on defense projects together, and giving South Africa access to Iranian military expertise.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently said his administration stopped wars in the Middle East by preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He warned Iran not to restart its nuclear program, threatening swift action if they did. Trump described Iran as “a very evil place” and said it would be “a lot different in the coming years,” without giving details.
Iran’s military leaders say their missile forces are fully prepared and that any future attack from the U.S. or Israel will lead to an even more punishing response—something that could have serious consequences far beyond the Middle East.
