Iran warned pre-emptive strike

Tehran (dpa) — Iran’s leaders warned of a possible pre-emptive military strike on Israel in a statement from the newly created Defence Council on Tuesday.

Any interference in Iran’s internal affairs or action to undermine stability in the country would be answered, the council, which was set up in August, said.

It added that Iran would not limit itself to reacting “only after an action has taken place,” but would also view “specific indications of threats as part of the security equation.”

The state-run Tehran Times referred to possible “preventive self-defence.”

According to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed Tehran via Moscow that Israel is not aiming at military escalation. Israel and Iran do not maintain diplomatic relations, and there are no direct channels of communication.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed scepticism in a post on X on Tuesday, saying: “Of course, the malicious enemy is a deceiving liar & we don’t trust them,” he added.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted manoeuvres two days ago, testing its air defences and the readiness of its missile units.

Israeli and the United States bombed targets in Iran, including nuclear installations, during a 12-day war in June. Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles at Israel in return.

The Israeli leadership believes Tehran is working to rebuild its missile arsenal, which is seen by Israel as a major threat, and to restart its nuclear programme.

The pre-emptive strike warning came as Iranian domestic security forces confronted widespread popular protests over the cost of living.