In an interview with Al Jazeera, senior Iranian military spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that any future attack by the United States or Israel would trigger a far stronger response from Iran than seen in previous confrontations. He said Tehran has revised its military strategy and updated its list of targets, adding that the country is fully prepared for another conflict if necessary.
According to Shekarchi, Iran’s response in any new war would involve different tactics and unexpected measures. He claimed that Iran’s enemies would face “surprises” on the battlefield and warned that future strikes could go beyond the Middle East region if hostilities escalate further.
“The attacks will be much more intense, heavier, and stronger than the previous two wars,” the military spokesman said, signaling that Iran is prepared to significantly expand the scale of its retaliation.
Shekarchi also addressed the issue of oil exports and regional energy security. He warned that if Iran is prevented from exporting its oil during a renewed conflict, Tehran would ensure that no other country in the region would be able to export oil either. His remarks appeared to reference the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which a large share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
The tensions follow a major escalation that began on February 28, when Iran accused the US and Israel of carrying out coordinated airstrikes targeting senior Iranian officials and military commanders. Iranian authorities claimed the attacks killed several high-ranking figures linked to the country’s leadership and armed forces.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against targets in Israeli-controlled territories as well as US military bases across the region. Tehran also imposed stricter controls in the Strait of Hormuz following what it described as unlawful restrictions on Iranian shipping announced by US President Donald Trump after a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire agreement took effect in April.