Iran warns Israel of potential ‘large-scale war’
Israel risks triggering a large-scale war if it launches another military attack on Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Chinese media, emphasizing his country’s commitment to diplomatic efforts alongside full readiness to respond to any aggression.
The longstanding shadow conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into several direct military confrontations over the past year, which could potentially spiral out of control unless diplomacy prevails, Araghchi stated during a December interview with China’s CCTV, aired on Saturday.
“We are fully prepared for the possibility of further attacks by Israel,” Araghchi said. “I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless actions, as it could lead to a large-scale war.”
“We believe that reason will ultimately prevail and prevent actions that could have serious consequences,” he added, stressing Iran’s dedication to engaging with regional and international allies, including China, to mitigate tensions and pursue peaceful resolutions.
While Tehran-allied Houthi forces have launched multiple ballistic missiles at central Israel in recent weeks and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed Yemen in response – the most recent direct exchange of fire occurred in October. During that confrontation, Israel conducted a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran’s radar and air defense systems, in retaliation for an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel. That Iranian assault was itself a response to the assassinations of key figures allied with Tehran, including Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
Earlier, in April, the sides exchanged fire after an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals and several officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In retaliation, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles in an unprecedented direct attack on Israel.
Recent developments in the Middle East, including the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the substantial weakening of Hezbollah, have significantly altered the region’s strategic balance. Israeli and US officials reportedly perceive Tehran as increasingly vulnerable, sparking discussions about potential preemptive military actions.
The Israeli Air Force reportedly enhanced its operational readiness in December, capitalizing on the neutralization of Syrian air defenses to facilitate unimpeded access to Iranian airspace. Israeli defense officials assess that current conditions present a strategic window for a potential strike.
Last month, US President Joe Biden reportedly convened a high-level meeting to discuss possible military action against Iran, amid concerns that Tehran might accelerate its nuclear weapons development due to its weakened regional position.
Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. In a separate interview published on Thursday, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s stance on peaceful nuclear energy, emphasizing that negotiations remain possible if Iran is treated with “respect.”
“The more they impose sanctions and pressure on Iran, the more Iran will show resistance,” Araghchi said, warning that coercion would be ineffective. He specifically referenced the ‘maximum pressure’ policy employed by the US during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term.
