IRAN PLANS RETALIATION IF U.S. STRIKES

PHOTO CAPTION: A U.S. Navy sailor directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard USS George H.W. Bush while the carrier operates in the U.S. 5th Fleet area in August 2026. Iranian commanders are reportedly developing wider retaliation plans in case the United States launches another major attack on Iran. U.S. Navy file photo.

Iranian military commanders are developing plans for a broader and more forceful response if the United States launches another large-scale attack on Iran, according to senior Iranian officials who spoke with Reuters.
The contingency planning could expand potential targets beyond U.S. military assets and interests in the Middle East.
Three senior Iranian officials and another source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that commanders are considering countries that support U.S. military operations and potentially locations outside the Middle East.
No final decision has been made, and the planning does not mean Iran has ordered a new attack.
The discussions are focused on how Iran would respond if Washington resumes a major military campaign.
Two of the Iranian officials also said Tehran has instructed aligned armed groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to prepare to support Iran if another large-scale U.S. attack occurs.
According to Reuters, the planning envisions the possibility of a coordinated response stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to U.S. interests elsewhere in the region and potentially beyond it.
Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the planning.
The preparations come as tensions remain high following months of fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel.
The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. A ceasefire on April 8 ended 40 days of sustained warfare, but strikes and other hostilities have continued intermittently.
U.S. forces have carried out additional attacks on Iranian military sites during the months since the ceasefire, while Iran has launched missiles and drones toward U.S. forces and regional countries.
More than 50,000 U.S. service members were operating across the Middle East during some of the summer fighting, according to U.S. Central Command.
The latest Iranian planning is unfolding alongside another attempt at diplomacy.
Iran recently sent a proposal to Washington through Qatari mediators that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending regional fighting, lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen Iranian funds and providing sanctions relief.
President Donald Trump rejected the initial proposal and said in an interview published Thursday that Iran's offer was not sufficient.
Trump also left open the possibility of renewed U.S. bombing, although he did not disclose what circumstances might trigger additional strikes or what targets the United States would consider.
Iranian officials told Reuters they remain doubtful that the current diplomatic effort will produce an agreement.
For now, the reported Iranian military preparations remain contingency plans.
But the scope under consideration is wider than a response limited to U.S. bases inside the Middle East, raising the possibility that another major round of U.S. strikes could trigger retaliation across several countries and theaters.