Iran Tensions Escalate as Adviser Warns of Full Offensive Phase Against US
On the sixth day of escalated conflict between the US and Iran, Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei warned that Tehran will shift from defensive actions to a phase of full offensive and total destruction if US attacks continue for another 2-3 days. Iran tensions have intensified as both sides exchange strikes on military and infrastructure targets while oil markets react sharply to the developments.
Iranian Warning of Offensive Shift
Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei stated that if US attacks on the Islamic Republic continue for another 2-3 days, Iranian armed forces will move beyond the stage of deterrence and retaliation into a phase of aggression and total destruction. [2] Rezaei indicated that US bases and soldiers outside political borders would become direct targets for pursuit and attack. [2] He noted that Iran's restraint so far aimed to prevent the worsening of security crises and international conflicts, but Washington's latest miscalculation is pushing the region in this direction. [2] Rezaei described the war situation as dangerous and called on regional countries including Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE to prevent random US and Israeli invasion and escalation of the conflict. [2] He added that the United States must realize the strategy of war and erosive negotiations has reached a dead end, confirming that the intensity of Iranian attacks will increase in the coming days. [2]
Latest US Strikes on Iranian Targets
US forces destroyed an observation tower in the Iranian port of Chabahar that was allegedly part of a network of maritime outposts along the Gulf of Oman used by Tehran to track and target commercial ships. [1] US strikes also hit six road bridges along with infrastructure in Bushehr near the country's only nuclear power plant and in Lorestan province. [1] American forces conducted a repeat strike on an empty oil tanker docked at Kharg Island that had already been targeted several days earlier. [1] The United States has reimposed port blockades on Iran and canceled sanctions exemptions for its oil exports. [1]
Iranian Counterattacks on US Allies
In response to the latest US attacks, Tehran struck US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, three countries that have been most affected by the Islamic Republic's counteroffensives since fighting began the previous week. [1] Iran also targeted US radars and aircraft in Qatar and the As-Salama archipelago in Oman located on the strait. [1] The Kuwaiti government reported explosions at a water treatment plant and power station that damaged many power units. [1]
Trump's Assessment and Broader Context
President Trump addressed the nation on Thursday evening and presented the situation in the Middle East in a positive light for himself, stating that the US is achieving significant successes in Iran and that the fruits of this work will soon be visible. [1] The current escalation remains far from the scale seen at the height of fighting in March and early April, when the US and Israel subjected Iranian cities to massive bombardments and Tehran launched thousands of drones and missiles at Arab Gulf states and Israel. [1] China and Pakistan expressed concern over the developments and called on the US and Iran to stop the fighting and resume dialogue. [1]
Energy Impacts and Oil Market Reaction
Iran's energy ministry urged households to limit air conditioner use due to extreme heat and attacks on power supply facilities in southern provinces. [1] Brent crude rose more than 3.5% to around $87 per barrel on Friday, marking the largest weekly gain since April, after reports that the Trump administration notified Israel of additional tanker aircraft being sent to the country. [1]
What to watch next: Rezaei warned that if US attacks continue over the next 2-3 days, Iranian forces will enter the phase of total offensive and destruction with no political borders protecting US forces from direct pursuit.
