Iran threatens nuclear and infrastructure strikes if United States attacks

Iran has warned that a renewed United States and Israeli air campaign could trigger attacks on an expanded list of targets, including American bases, warships, natural-gas pipelines, airports and other civilian infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region. The statements, made publicly and through diplomatic channels, also said Tehran could employ a new array of weapons, including nuclear bombs, if it perceives a U.S. attack.

Mohammad-Saleh Jokar, head of the Iranian parliament's International Affairs Committee, called on the authorities to allow the use of deterrent weapons, including nuclear weapons, in the event of a U.S. attack and suggested suspending Iran's cooperation with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty under such circumstances. He warned that countries hosting U.S. forces would face a "harsh response" and "pay a heavy price."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in the Financial Times that new attacks would put civilian lives, regional stability and the global economy at great risk. Analysts cited by the Wall Street Journal estimate Iran holds hundreds of thousands of ballistic missiles and continues production in underground facilities, despite recent operations that damaged much of its missile, drone and naval inventory.

Experts noted that while Iran has the capability to inflict significant damage on regional energy and internet infrastructure, such actions could provoke reciprocal attacks that would also harm Iran. "The consensus in Tehran now believes that deterrence requires imposing immediate, sustained and substantial costs on its adversaries," said Sina Toossi, an Iran expert at the Center for International Policy. "Iran runs the risk of overreaching if it tries to make good on all its threats," added Saeid Golkarat, a Revolutionary Guard specialist.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have remained stalled, and President Donald Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to U.S. action after the upcoming midterm elections. Israel has also increased its readiness for potential strikes against Iran, with reports of planned operations in early October.