Iran Outlines Possible Response if US and Israel Resume Strikes
Iran's armed forces could deploy new weapons and tactics against the United States, Israel and other countries if the two allies resume attacks on Iran, according to an Al Jazeera analysis published on Monday, November 2. The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the war with Iran would end "very soon one way or the other," and that Tehran should agree to a deal or "the hammer" would come down.
The United States and Israel began their war on Iran on February 28, 2026. Renewed strikes have been discussed for weeks. The New York Times reported on October 21 that the two countries had drawn up plans for new strikes on Iran, and NPR reported on October 22 that they were planning for a possible attack. Trump has hinted that fighting could resume after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. Iran International reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is seeking reelection, is pressing Trump to strike Iran immediately after the vote.
Iran has repeatedly said it would retaliate. In January, it warned Trump that any U.S. attack would lead to strikes on Israel and on American targets across the region, according to Reuters. In October, Reuters reported that Tehran had ramped up planning for renewed attacks. The Guardian reported on October 22 that Iran had threatened to strike oil and AI facilities across the Gulf if attacks resume. Reuters later reported, citing two senior Iranian security officials, that Iran had detailed plans to hit undersea communications cables in the Gulf. Iran has also said that security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping passage in the Gulf, would be restored if the United States accepts its demands.
On October 31, the Times of Israel reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had reportedly ordered the army to target Israeli and U.S. "tangible and intangible assets" if war resumes, with no geographic limits on the response.
Iran's officials have described its capabilities in strong terms. Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideological force within Iran's military, said the IRGC was "100 percent ready" to confront another attack. Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for the Iranian Army, said commanders would rely on "asymmetric warfare," a term for unconventional tactics meant to offset an opponent's advantage in equipment, to compensate for superior US military equipment.
Iran has showcased an upgraded Arash attack drone, with its warhead doubled to 100 kilograms and improved guidance. State television last month showed an underground drone production line. Hossein Kanani Moghaddam, a former senior IRGC commander, told Al Jazeera that Iran's target database had significantly expanded and that missile range, accuracy, warheads and drone capabilities had improved.
Al Jazeera's analysis said Iran has retained significant offensive capability, but that its civilians and critical infrastructure remain largely exposed. Iran's military has also warned that renewed all-out war with the United States and Israel would last longer and cost more than its rivals expect.
