Iran issued a firm statement on Monday, declaring its readiness to retaliate in the face of any US aggression on its territory. This came as the White House refrained from explicitly ruling out strikes on Iran.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Sunday that the US would continue to retaliate against Iran-linked groups in Iraq and Syria. When asked if direct strikes on Iran were on the table, Sullivan declined to provide a clear answer, stating, "it would not be wise for me to talk about what we're ruling in and ruling out." He warned of a swift and forceful response if Iran chose to directly target the United States.

In response, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani emphasized Iran's history of decisive action against threats to its security and sovereignty. Kanani affirmed that Iran would not hesitate to utilize its capabilities to defend its territory against any attacks. Despite this stance, he reiterated Iran's desire to avoid escalating tensions in the region.

Tensions in the region have escalated since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, drawing in Iran-backed groups across Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The US military conducted airstrikes against five targets in Yemen on Sunday, following previous joint actions with UK forces against Iran-backed Huthis in response to attacks on shipping.

Furthermore, airstrikes were carried out in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone attack on a Jordanian base on January 28, which resulted in the deaths of three US soldiers. While President Joe Biden has attributed the attack to "radical Iran-backed militant groups," he has emphasized the US's avoidance of wider conflicts in the Middle East.

US Pledges Further Action in Middle East After Retaliatory Strikes on Houthis

US Strikes Over 85 Targets in Iraq and Syria in Response to Jordan Drone Attack

Houthi Rebels Target Trafigura-Operated Oil Tanker in Red Sea