Iran warns of wider Middle East war ahead of Netanyahu's US visit

Iran's army has warned that the Middle East conflict will expand further if the United States continues its air strikes, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that Tehran has halted 'retaliatory operations' in the Gulf but cautioned that continued US attacks could broaden the war geographically. Source: DW, Al Jazeera

Warning

'Akraminia told state television: 'I believe that if the Americans insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further.' He noted that the conflict has already reached the Bab al-Mandab strait, where Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militias have been involved in hostilities with Saudi Arabia. Source: DW

Scope of operations

The spokesman said 'the scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf.' He added that the situation is 'difficult and unsettled' for the United States, which is now looking 'for a new strategy.' Source: DW

Context

The warning comes as Netanyahu prepares to meet US officials on Tuesday. Iran's military says it is prepared for 'scenarios that appear likely.' The comments reflect heightened tensions after recent US strikes and ongoing hostilities involving Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia. Source: Al Jazeera, DW