Iran warns of harsher retaliation if attacked again

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran's Armed Forces, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera Media Network that Iran is fully prepared for war and would respond forcefully to any attack or new adventurism against the country. He emphasized that if the US and Israel launch a new attack on Iran, Tehran's reaction will be very devastating and different from previous responses, involving surprises and new tactics. Shekarchi warned that any new war of aggression against the Islamic Republic will not remain confined to the region, and if Iran's oil exports are prevented, Iran will prevent oil from leaving the region. Responding to threats by US President Donald Trump to target Iran's infrastructure, the spokesperson said regional infrastructure will also become targets if the US or Israel attacks Iranian infrastructure. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, General Shekarchi stated that Iran will continue to control the vital waterway with authority to ensure security and international trade while defending its national interests. The United States and Israel launched a war of aggression against Iran on February 28, with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders, including Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces launched daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region. Iran also closed down the Strait of Hormuz to enemies and their allies after the launch of the unprovoked war, and began to exercise far stricter controls last month after Trump announced an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports in violation of the terms of a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 8. According to Mehr News Agency, Shekarchi's remarks underscore Iran's readiness for a broader conflict and its determination to retaliate with greater force if attacked again.