The key facts
- Iranian official: US political assets and infrastructure of countries participating in a new war will become 'legitimate targets' if officials or civilians are killed
- Iran considers itself already at war with the US due to the economic and naval blockade and airspace restrictions
- The statement follows reports in Israeli media about dozens of Israeli fighter jets flying near Iran's border
Warning from an Iranian official
A senior Iranian security official said on Wednesday that in the event of a new large-scale war accompanied by the killing of Iranian officials and civilians, Iran would consider US political assets and the infrastructure of countries participating in the war as 'legitimate targets'. This was reported by the semi-official Fars news agency. According to him, the relevant instructions have already been given to various operational units.
Perception of war and blockade
The official said that Iran considers itself already in a state of war with the US, viewing the economic and naval blockade, as well as restrictions on Iranian airspace, as a continuation of the military aggression that began on February 28. He added that growing pressure from various segments of Iranian society is pushing the authorities toward 'decisive action' to break the blockade, which Tehran considers its right to self-defense.
Distrust of diplomacy
According to the official, Tehran proceeds from the assumption that the US and Israel are preparing a new strike and considers Washington's diplomatic gestures 'unreliable'. This perception, it is claimed, intensified after remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Athens, which Tehran interpreted as a historical and civilizational justification for a US war against Iran. The official also stated that Iranian political and intellectual leaders increasingly conclude that US Middle East policy is being directed by Israel, which prevents Washington from seeking a diplomatic solution, and that Israel has priority in the regional policy of President Donald Trump.
Context of tensions
The warning came amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over the naval blockade and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel struck Iran on February 28, which triggered a broader regional conflict; despite subsequent diplomatic efforts, disagreements over the blockade and security measures in the strait persist. On Wednesday, Israeli media reported that dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew close to Iran's border this week; according to American sources, the operation may have been aimed at provoking an Iranian response.
