Iran’s military has warned that the conflict in the Middle East could spread further if the United States launches additional attacks on the Islamic Republic, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington this week.
The warning was issued by Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia during an interview with Iranian state television on Sunday.
Akraminia said any renewed U.S. military action against Iran would broaden the geographical scope of the conflict across the Middle East.
“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 air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” he said.
He claimed that the conflict had already extended to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea, citing recent developments involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
According to him, Iran’s operational focus now covers several parts of the region, including U.S. military bases in Jordan and countries along the Persian Gulf.
Akraminia also said the United States was facing an increasingly complex security environment in the Middle East and suggested Washington was reassessing its regional strategy.
“The situation in the Middle East for the United States is difficult and unsettled,” he said, adding that Iran was prepared for “each of the options and scenarios” that could emerge.
The comments came ahead of Netanyahu’s planned visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu will depart for Washington on Monday for talks with Trump and to attend the funeral service of Senator Lindsey Graham, whom Israel described as a close friend of the country.
Since Trump’s return to office, the two leaders have held six meetings, with their most recent engagement taking place in Washington on Feb. 11.
Although Trump and Netanyahu initially presented a united front following the launch of military operations against Iran earlier this year, reports indicate that differences have since emerged over whether to continue military action or pursue diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu has previously described Trump as “the greatest friend” Israel has had in the White House.
Earlier this month, Trump also spoke about his relationship with the Israeli leader, saying, “We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is.”
Reports suggest relations between the two leaders came under strain during ceasefire negotiations involving the United States and Iran in April.
The ceasefire has since collapsed, raising fresh concerns over renewed instability in the region.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where regional and international powers continue to monitor the security situation closely.
