Edith Hejberg
The operation marked a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two nations.
Iranian First Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Reza Aref warned Monday that another war with Israel could erupt “at any moment.”
The stark statement comes just two months after a deadly exchange between the longtime foes, leaving tensions at their highest point in years.
A Flashpoint: Israel’s June 13 Offensive
On June 13, Israel shocked the region with a sweeping surprise attack on Iranian soil. The strikes targeted military and nuclear facilities, killing key researchers and senior Iranian military officials.
The operation marked a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two nations.
Iran’s Forceful Retaliation
Iran quickly responded with a barrage of missiles and drone strikes, hitting targets inside Israel and even striking a major U.S. military base in Qatar.
The scale and reach of Iran’s retaliation stunned observers and underscored the volatile balance of power in the region.
U.S. Steps In, Then Steps Back
The United States, a close ally of Israel, entered the fray by bombing Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22.
But just two days later, Washington announced a halt to hostilities, though no formal ceasefire or agreement has followed.
“No Truce, No Peace,” Says Iranian Official
“We must be ready at any moment for confrontation,” Aref stated. He emphasized that Iran and its adversaries are not in a state of truce, only a temporary lull.
This absence of an official ceasefire leaves room for renewed fighting at any time.
Iran Plans for the Worst
Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior military advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, told Shargh daily that Iran is preparing for a “worst-case scenario.”
He warned that the current pause in fighting is deceptive, and hostilities could resume without warning.
“We Are Still at War”
“There is currently no real ceasefire,” Safavi stressed. “We are in a phase of war, and it can break out at any moment.
There is no protocol, no regulation, no agreement between us and the Israelis, nor between us and the Americans.”
High Casualties on Both Sides
Iran reported over 1,000 deaths in the June conflict, including key military and scientific personnel. Israel, in contrast, confirmed 28 fatalities.
The uneven toll highlights the intensity and impact of the Israeli offensive.
Iran Signals Readiness—But Says It Doesn’t Want War
Despite its preparations, Iranian military leaders insist they are not seeking another conflict.
They say Iran is ready to respond forcefully if attacked but prefers to avoid a broader war.
Nuclear Tensions Continue to Rise
Western governments and Israel continue to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, claims Tehran denies.
These long-standing concerns remain a central source of friction, adding further fuel to an already combustible situation.
