Iran has cautioned that it will conduct fresh attacks on Israel should President Donald Trump extend U.S. Military operations to strike Tehran, according to Iranian officials briefed on military preparations, The New York Times reported Thursday.
The officials indicated Iran's Armed Forces are readying for potential escalation if Trump acts on stated intentions to target Iranian infrastructure. An intensified conflict would prompt a broader regional response, they said, with Iran striking Tel Aviv and directing Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping corridor between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The warning followed Trump's remarks to Axios correspondent Barak Ravid on Thursday about contemplating military action against Iran. "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said. He added that Israel would participate if asked, while noting U.S. Capability to act independently.
Trump also contended Tehran has not endured sufficient consequences, stating the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet" In the context of diplomatic restart discussions.
On Wednesday, Trump had warned the United States would target Iranian bridges and power plants if attacks on regional shipping persisted.
Israeli defense officials increasingly assess that U.S.-Iranian tensions could widen into a larger regional conflict within days, potentially involving Iranian missile strikes against Israel, according to reports.