LIVE: Iran Warns Retaliation to US Attack Will ‘Not Be Limited’
Iran has issued a stark warning that any retaliation to a reported US attack would be broad in scope and not confined to a single response, escalating fears of a wider regional confrontation and renewed volatility across global markets.
Senior Iranian officials said on Monday that Tehran reserves the right to respond “at a time and place of its choosing,” signalling that potential countermeasures could extend beyond direct military action. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following what Iranian state-linked media described as a US strike targeting Iranian interests, a claim Washington has not publicly detailed.
Speaking on state television, a senior Iranian security official said the response “will not be limited in scale or geography,” framing the situation as a test of Iran’s deterrence doctrine. While stopping short of specifying targets, officials emphasised that allies and strategic assets across the region could be drawn into any escalation.
The United States has increased its military posture in recent weeks, citing the need to protect its forces and partners in the Middle East. US officials have repeatedly warned Iran against attacks on American personnel, stressing that Washington would respond decisively to any such move. Diplomatic channels, however, appear strained, with limited signs of de-escalation.
Regional governments are watching closely. Oil prices rose in early trading as investors priced in the risk of supply disruptions, while shipping firms assessed the security environment in key waterways. Analysts say markets are particularly sensitive to developments that could affect energy flows or trigger retaliatory actions involving proxy groups.
International reaction has been swift. Several governments urged restraint, calling for all sides to avoid steps that could spiral into a broader conflict. The United Nations reiterated its appeal for dialogue, warning that miscalculation could have “grave consequences” for regional stability.
For Iran, the messaging appears designed to project resolve without immediately committing to a specific course of action. For the US and its allies, the challenge will be containing tensions while maintaining deterrence.
As the situation continues to unfold, observers say the coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether the crisis escalates further or opens space for diplomatic engagement.
