Iran threatens retaliation against U.S. and allies if officials are targeted

Iranian security officials warned that any U.S. political facilities or the infrastructure of countries joining a renewed war against Tehran could become legitimate targets if Iranian officials are assassinated or civilians are killed. The statement, cited by the semi-official Fars News Agency, reflects a belief that the United States and Israel are poised to strike again and that Washington's diplomatic gestures are unreliable.

The warning followed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Athens, which Tehran interpreted as a historical justification for a U.S. war. Iranian leaders argue that U.S. Middle East policy is driven by Israel and that one outlet naval blockade, airspace restrictions, and economic pressure constitute continued military aggression since Feb. 28. Growing domestic pressure is pushing Iran toward decisive action to break the blockade under what it calls a right to self-defence. The threat comes amid heightened tension over the Strait of Hormuz, where recent Israeli jet activity near Iran's border may have been intended to provoke a response.