Iran Warns of Unpredictable Response to Any US Miscalculation

Following a recent U.S. strike on Iran's Qeshm Island, Tehran has escalated its threats, warning that any new confrontation could extend beyond the region. The overnight attack, which occurred between Monday and Tuesday, has heightened readiness across the Middle East. Iran has issued a series of statements regarding tensions with the U.S. and ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar. A senior Iranian official, cited by Reuters, stated that an agreement is still distant, with Iran unwilling to accept "excessive demands" from Washington. This comes amid diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed open conflict following U.S. midterm elections.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized regional cooperation on social media, stating Iran's lack of hostility towards Gulf Cooperation Council states and its appreciation for Qatar and Oman's roles. He stressed the goal of achieving new regional security agreements developed by regional countries without foreign military presence. Similarly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, conveyed a "firm and reasonable response" to the U.S., stating the ball is in their court to prevent war. He warned that threats and military actions aimed at forcing Iranian capitulation are a grave mistake, and any "miscalculation by the enemy will be unpredictable."

Concurrently, Iran's military is updating its list of potential targets, described as belonging to the "Zionist-American enemy." A military representative, identified as Mohammad Akraminia, warned that U.S. interests could be targeted anywhere within Iranian reach if a new military adventure begins. He asserted that any new U.S. aggression would face an immediate, decisive, and larger response, potentially extending beyond West Asia. Akraminia also claimed Iran thwarted a plot to open a land front on its western borders using separatist groups from Iraqi Kurdistan.

Meanwhile, Gulf states are preparing for the possibility of a significant U.S. attack on Iran this week, fearing retaliatory strikes on their economic and civilian infrastructure. This anxiety is fueled by the lack of diplomatic progress and threats from both Washington and Tehran to escalate the situation. The U.S. described its strike on Qeshm Island as a "defensive action" in response to surface-to-air missiles fired at U.S. aircraft, emphasizing it is not part of a larger offensive.