Shamkhani, the Supreme Leader’s representative on the Defense Council, told Al Mayadeen television that in defining the framework of Iran’s response to any military action, “the country’s absolute priority at the present time is full preparedness to repel threats, and all other considerations come at lower levels.”
Referring to recent US and allied military movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Shamkhani said, “Our message is clear: any movement indicating hostile intent by the enemy will be met with a proportional, effective, and regret-inducing response, including against the heart of the Zionist regime.” He added, “We do not, of course, consider the geography of confrontation to be limited to the sea, and we are prepared for far more expanded scenarios.”
Warning about the regional consequences of any conflict, he added, “The unavoidable spread of war to regional countries should, at this moment, be a shared concern for all actors. Past experience has shown that no war in this geography remains limited, and any spark can turn into a widespread fire whose scope will fall outside the control of its original designers.”
The senior defense official, referring to the increased presence of foreign military fleets in Iran’s southern waters, stated, “The scale of naval presence in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman does not necessarily mean superiority. This region is our home. More than any foreign force, we know the geography, capacities, and components of comprehensive defense in this area, and based on this understanding, we have designed our defense and offensive doctrine.” Shamkhani stressed, “We have uncovered the enemy’s operational plan and have full insight into it. At the appropriate time, we will strike the choke points of this plan.”
He concluded in a warning tone, “If necessary, the Islamic Republic of Iran will resort to more fundamental and effective options to defend its national security and territorial integrity. Responsibility for any consequences lies directly with the party that believes it can break the will of the Iranian people through a show of military force.”
NOURNEWS