Iran Warns US of Expanded War Scope if Attacked

Iran's military leadership has issued a joint statement warning that it will alter the "geography of war" if the United States launches attacks. The statement, released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, declared that Iranian forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Defense, police, Basij militia, and border guards, will not retreat from external threats. The statement vowed to make "American and Israeli aggressors, as well as their allies, taste the bitterness of new defeats."

Hossein Salami, a representative of the IRGC, issued a specific warning to Washington, stating that if the U.S. undertakes new attacks, Tehran intends to expand the scope of conflict and employ previously unused weaponry. He indicated that retaliatory strikes could target areas and facilities that have remained unharmed during previous escalations. Salami also claimed that most American bases in the region previously targeted by Iranian missiles and drones have been rendered completely inoperable.

Regarding diplomatic relations, Salami denied any direct or indirect contact with Washington, emphasizing that the IRGC's focus is solely on military tasks and defending national interests, not diplomatic activities.