Iran prepares broader response if US resumes large-scale attacks, sources say
Iranian commanders are reviewing wider targets for a possible response to renewed US attacks, while pursuing diplomacy that officials privately consider unlikely to succeed.
Tehran, Iran. Iran is preparing a broader and more forceful response if the United States resumes large-scale military attacks, sources said. Tehran is also pursuing diplomacy, although Iranian officials privately consider it unlikely to succeed.
Commanders review potential targets
Senior commanders are reviewing plans to expand potential targets beyond US-linked assets to countries supporting US military operations, and possibly to locations outside the Middle East, according to three senior Iranian officials and an insider familiar with the discussions.
The planning reflects a conviction within Iran’s leadership that any renewed US campaign must receive a stronger response than before, even as Tehran seeks to prevent escalation through talks.
Since President Masoud Pezeshkian returned from New York last week, commanders and senior officials have focused on the scope and timing of a response if Washington strikes again. No final decision has been made, but planning has intensified as neither side shows signs of willingness to compromise.
Uncertainty over US military action
The deliberations follow seven months of conflict that began with US-Israeli attacks on February 28. An April 8 ceasefire ended the 40-day war, but sporadic hostilities have continued since then.
Hamidreza Azizi, a senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, said Tehran remained uncertain whether President Donald Trump would launch another major campaign or choose more limited attacks, such as strikes on nuclear facilities.
“But they seem determined not to respond symbolically to a symbolic move and instead to escalate in the hope of reestablishing deterrence,” Azizi said.
Political risks and allied groups
Tehran is also weighing the political risks for Trump of a prolonged conflict. Polls show the war has been unpopular with Americans, while higher fuel prices remain a concern ahead of the midterm elections.
Two of the officials said Tehran had instructed allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to prepare to support Iran in the event of a renewed large-scale US attack.
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