Iranian army warns war 'will expand further' if Washington continues its strikes

The Iranian army warned that the war will expand geographically if the United States continues its strikes on Iran, ahead of Netanyahu's visit to Washington. Army spokesman Mohammad Akram Nia said the war could extend from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the Persian Gulf, and affirmed Iran's readiness for all scenarios.

The Iranian army warned that the war 'will expand further' if the United States decides to continue launching strikes on the Islamic Republic, preempting Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. Army spokesman Mohammad Akram Nia told state television: 'If the Americans once again fall into the deception of the Zionists or side with them, and insist on continuing the war, especially through airstrikes, it will expand further geographically.' He recalled that the war has already extended to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea, referring to the recent military escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. He added: 'The scope of our operations now covers the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf.' He assessed that the situation in the Middle East for the United States is 'difficult and unstable,' expecting that Washington is currently seeking to develop a 'new strategy.' He affirmed Iran's readiness 'for every option and every scenario that seems likely.' Israel announced Friday that Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.