Tehran: Iran has additional weapons systems and military capabilities in reserve and could respond differently to any renewed US attack, according to University of Tehran professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi, as tensions between Tehran and Washington rise following a fresh exchange of strikes.
Speaking to RT, Marandi said Iran was preparing for a prolonged confrontation and had capabilities it had not yet used. He added that Tehran’s response to further attacks would differ from previous actions and could have wider economic and military consequences.
His comments followed a US strike on two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the targets were preparing to launch rockets and deploy mines in the strategic waterway. Iranian authorities said the strike killed and wounded people and subsequently announced retaliatory action against US military facilities in the region.
The exchange marked the first known direct US strike on Iran since late July. Iran responded by attacking sites used by US forces, while Jordan reported intercepting missiles launched towards its territory. The UAE also said it had intercepted a drone, although it rejected Iranian reports that a military base there had been targeted.
Marandi said Tehran could escalate its response but had so far sought to avoid wider destruction across the region. He argued that Iran was keeping some capabilities in reserve while gradually increasing pressure on the US.
He also linked Iran’s military response to Washington’s broader economic pressure. According to Marandi, further escalation could affect US economic interests and increase pressure on the administration ahead of the US midterm elections.
Iranian officials have issued similar warnings. The armed forces general staff and the Khatam al Anbiya central headquarters said any further US attack would be met with a “much heavier” response. They warned that sites used to launch attacks against Iran could be targeted.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Iran is not seeking war but would respond decisively to aggression. The latest warnings come as Washington and Tehran remain at odds over security arrangements, economic pressure and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
