Iran army warns war will expand region-wide if US resumes attacks

Tehran, July 26 (AFP) — Iran’s army warned on Sunday that the war in West Asia would widen if the United States chose to press ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic, ahead of the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.

“I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists' deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told state television.

Akraminia said the war had already expanded to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea, referencing the recent military flare-up between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.

“The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from U.S. bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf,” he said.

He described the situation in West Asia for the United States as “difficult and unsettled,” predicting that Washington was now looking “for a new strategy.”

“We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely,” he added.

On Friday, Israel said Netanyahu will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday (July 28, 2026).

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Image: Plume of smoke rises as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Saturday they carried out operations targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, according to a statement by the group's military spokesperson Yahya Sare, in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, July 25, 2026. — Photo Credit: Social Media via Reuters