Iran warned that if the US and Israel resume aerial strikes, Tehran would
retaliate against US bases and warships and expand targets to airports, oil
pipelines and other civilian infrastructure across the Gulf. The warning was
issued via public statements and private diplomatic channels as a deterrent but
also signals Tehran’s capability to strike. Iran retains large missile and armed
drone inventories; analysts estimate several hundred to several thousand
ballistic missiles, and US and regional officials say Iran has used stockpiled
components to restart small-scale underground ballistic missile production. US
and Arab interceptors for incoming threats have been drawn down, and Israeli
interceptor stocks are also under pressure.
