Iran Threatens Strikes on US, Israel Amid Heightened Tensions

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has warned that Iran will strike U.S. and Israeli troops, bases, and interests wherever and whenever it deems necessary if either country initiates conflict with the Islamic Republic. The warning follows a missile attack on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which Israel blames directly on Iran and has pledged to retaliate against both the Houthis and their 'Iranian terror masters.' Nasirzadeh emphasized Iran's substantial missile arsenal and said the country would not hesitate to deploy it against regional targets in the event of war, while also denying direct control over Houthi actions and criticizing U.S. policy as hypocritical. The situation escalated further with the unveiling of Iran's new Qassem Basir ballistic missile and statements from both U.S. and Israeli officials promising strong responses to perceived threats. The standoff highlights increasing volatility in the Middle East, as the U.S., Israel, and Iran exchange threats and prepare for potential conflict. All parties remain on high alert amid rising hostilities and ongoing proxy engagements across the region.