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

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.