Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian issued a stern warning to Israel on Tuesday, cautioning against any retaliatory strikes and threatening a more powerful response if Iranian infrastructure is targeted.
The warning comes in the wake of Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, which has vowed to retaliate.
“We recommend the Zionist regime not to test the resolution of the Islamic Republic,” Amir-Abdollahian said in a televised speech. “If any attack against our country takes place, our response will be more powerful.”
The foreign minister emphasized that Iran’s enemies are aware of potential targets within Israel that are within reach, suggesting a readiness to escalate the conflict if provoked.
Amid rising tensions, Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji visited Kharg Island, home to the country’s main export terminal, on Sunday. Owji held talks with a naval commander, according to the oil ministry’s news website Shana, fueling speculation about potential Israeli strikes on Iranian energy facilities.
“This visit underscores Iran’s concern about the vulnerability of its critical infrastructure,” said regional expert Dr. Fatemeh Aman. “It’s a clear signal that Iran is preparing for various scenarios.”
U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Friday that he did not believe Israel had yet decided on its response to Iran’s missile attack.