Iran’s military warned the U.S. on Sunday that it would expand the Middle East war if Washington resumed attacks on the Islamic Republic, issuing the threat ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
"I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists' deception, or move in line with them and insist on continuing the war, particularly through airstrikes, geographically this will expand further," army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia told state television.
He said the war had already expanded to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea, referencing the recent military flare-up between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.
"The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from U.S. bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf," he said.
Akraminia said the situation in the Middle East for the United States is "difficult and unsettled," predicting that Washington was now looking "for a new strategy."
"We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely," he added.
On Friday, Israel said Netanyahu will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
