A senior Iranian official warned Friday that Israel would be targeted if United States military strikes against Iranian infrastructure continue, as regional tensions escalate following the death of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that such attacks would be met with retaliation, accusing the “criminal Zionist regime” of directing the ongoing U.S. military campaign.
U.S. Strikes and Iranian Retaliation
The warning comes after the U.S. conducted a second night of operations targeting Iranian military assets. According to U.S. Central Command, approximately 90 targets were struck along the Iranian coast on Wednesday, including missile and drone storage facilities, naval assets, air-defense systems, and logistics centers. Iranian state media reported that the strikes also impacted the perimeter of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and a strategic railway bridge connecting Iran to Central Asia.
Iran has responded by launching drones and missiles at U.S. military positions across the Gulf, including facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. An American source indicated to i24NEWS that if Iranian fire persists, the conflict could evolve into a pattern of “daily” or “weekly” strikes.
Former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening U.S.-Israeli strike of the war on February 28, was buried in Mashhad on Thursday following a week of funeral processions held across Iran and Iraq.
Political Implications and Regional Threats
Zolghadr also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling him “the most despised figure in the world.” He accused the President of insulting the Iranian people during the conclusion of Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies, which Zolghadr described as a “historic epic.”
The explicit threat to target Israel marks a significant shift in regional rhetoric, signaling that Tehran views the U.S. and Israel as a unified command structure. This expansion of the conflict theater suggests that any further degradation of Iranian infrastructure by Washington will likely trigger a broader, multi-front response from Iranian forces.
As the U.S. continues its military campaign, the situation remains fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary demand from Iranian officials?
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr stated that Israel would be targeted if the U.S. continues its military strikes against Iranian infrastructure.
Which Iranian sites were hit during the U.S. strikes?
U.S. Central Command reported hitting 90 targets, including air-defense and naval assets. Iranian state media also noted strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant and a strategic railway bridge.
How has Iran responded to the U.S. military actions?
Iran has launched missiles and drones against U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
How might the ongoing cycle of strikes alter the security landscape in the Gulf region?
