Iran is reinforcing its nuclear facilities, preparing its population for another conflict and threatening broader retaliation against U.S. forces and Gulf allies as it anticipates possible renewed American military strikes, according to a report on The Wall Street Journal.
President Donald Trump said last week that he would not authorize another attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. However, he has publicly raised the possibility of striking Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain, while U.S. officials have said the military is developing options for additional operations.
According to the WSJ, Tehran is concentrating on deterrence, recognizing its limited ability to counter advanced American fighter jets, bombers and cruise missiles.
Iran Threatens Wider Regional Retaliation
Iranian officials have warned regional governments, both publicly and privately, that renewed U.S. strikes could trigger attacks across the Middle East.
Some officials have also raised the possibility of Iranian ground operations in neighboring countries. Tehran has separately warned Arab officials that Saudi oil installations and other regional infrastructure could become targets if hostilities resume.
On Sunday, senior Iranian national security official Mohsen Rezaei said Iran could target the United Arab Emirates, regional data centers and undersea internet cables. Iran has also intensified attacks on commercial shipping, according to the report, as part of its efforts to increase pressure on Washington and its regional partners.
The threats come as Iran faces mounting economic difficulties, with U.S. sanctions tightening and Washington pressing airlines to suspend flights to the country.
Nuclear Facilities and Infrastructure Reinforced
During the past month, authorities constructed additional earthen barriers around the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility and the Natanz complex, apparently intended to obstruct potential ground operations.
Similar preparations are underway at airports, ports and power stations, where authorities are establishing shelters and emergency reserves to maintain operations during a possible conflict.
Tehran has reportedly informed intermediaries that another American attack could prompt more aggressive operations against U.S. forces, including attempts to sink American warships operating in the Middle East.
Iranian officials have warned that any renewed conflict would draw a more extensive military response than previous confrontations, potentially involving U.S. installations and allied infrastructure throughout the Gulf.
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