Netanyahu warns Iran of ‘unimaginable’ response if Tehran strikes Israel

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran of devastating consequences should it launch missiles at Israel, declaring that Tehran would face a retaliation beyond anything its leaders could foresee.

“We are prepared for any scenario… if the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will face a response that they can’t even imagine,” he said during a televised graduation ceremony for IDF cadets.

The remarks came as both the United States and Israel continue preparations for a potential strike on Iran amid stalled diplomacy and heightened military activity across the region.

Israel and US coordinate amid rising tensions

Netanyahu said Israel was “operating side by side with our major ally, the United States” as the countries work to counter what they view as an escalating threat from Tehran. He added that he conveyed Israel’s position on “guiding principles” for renewed talks with Iran during a recent meeting with Donald Trump.

Washington has been reinforcing its military footprint in the region, dispatching warships, fighter jets and refuelling aircraft. A second aircraft carrier has been ordered to Middle Eastern waters, while the first – the USS Abraham Lincoln – was positioned roughly 700 kilometres from Iran’s coast earlier this week, according to satellite imagery.

The US buildup follows repeated warnings from the White House, including from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said Washington had “numerous grounds” for potential military action and urged Tehran to reach an agreement with Trump.

Iran insists on nuclear-only talks

Iran’s atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, reiterated that Tehran would not relinquish its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. In a video shared by state media, he said the programme remained in line with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Indirect US–Iran negotiations have recently resumed, mediated by Oman, though Tehran continues to demand the lifting of American sanctions that have crippled its economy. Iran insists discussions be limited strictly to its nuclear programme, rejecting Washington’s push to also include its missile development and support for regional armed groups.

Previous diplomatic efforts collapsed last year after Israel carried out surprise strikes on Iranian targets, triggering a 12-day confrontation in which the US briefly joined operations against nuclear facilities.

Military posturing on land and sea

As tensions mount, Iran has sought to project strength. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted large-scale exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil supplies pass. Iranian and Russian naval forces also held joint drills in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, later declared complete by Tehran’s IRNA news agency.

Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened to block the strait if confronted militarily.

Netanyahu issues warning to Hamas, outlines regional posture

Turning to Gaza, Netanyahu said Hamas would be forced to disarm, stressing that the territory would not be rebuilt until it is fully demilitarised. “Very soon, Hamas will face a dilemma – to give up its weapons the easy way, or to give up its weapons the hard way,” he warned.

He also praised Israel’s ongoing operations in neighbouring countries, noting with approval that IDF forces remain active in Syria and Lebanon. Demilitarised or security zones inside enemy territory, he said, were essential to reducing the risk of a ground incursion.

US pressure and looming military possibilities

Trump has repeatedly floated the possibility of US military action against Iran, including in a recent post on his Truth Social platform. A previous escalation was linked to Tehran’s crackdown on domestic protests and renewed concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

Israel maintains that any future agreement with Iran must not only halt its nuclear programme, but also curb its missile arsenal and sever links with groups such as Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies)