Iran threatens ‘painful’ strikes across Middle East if US attacks

Iran's military has issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening "painful attacks" against its bases and interests across the Middle East if the US decides to launch new attacks on Iran. This warning comes from the Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, which is responsible for Iran's operational military command during wartime.

The military command also cautioned other regional countries against supporting any US attack, stating that any such country would be considered "complicit" and would face no leniency. The warning was based on unconfirmed reports of a meeting between US representatives in a European country where agreements were allegedly made on renewed attacks against Iran.

The US State Department issued security alerts for American citizens in the Middle East, stating that due to tensions in the region, the security environment remained complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. The alerts advised Americans to exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.

Iran has been locked in a stalemate with the US over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for the world's oil and gas. Iran has blockaded the strait throughout the Middle East war, and the two foes are yet to reach an agreement. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf conveyed Iran's conditions for reopening the strait to Washington through mediators, stating that as long as the conditions are not met and US commitments are not honored, it will be impossible to restore the situation to pre-war levels and open the strait.