Iran warns US of 'harder and broader' response to any renewed attacks

Summary

An Iranian military spokesperson warned that any renewed US attacks would meet a 'harder and broader' response than Tehran's past retaliations. He said that if a new war broke out, the 'geography of the conflict will not remain limited to the West Asia region', and that US 'facilities, equipment, personnel, and interests in any location within reach could become targets'. The warning came as explosions were heard overnight in southern Iran's Qesh Island and Bandar Lengeh, and reports confirmed the US military was responsible for the strikes. Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator in talks with the US, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the ball was in Washington's court to 'prevent war'. US President Donald Trump had said he would not launch attacks against Iran after the midterms, and he told Fox News that Washington might need to 'go after' a suspected underground nuclear complex known as Pickaxe Mountain if no deal is reached, without ruling out resuming the war.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   3 Nov 2026, 06:22 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that an Iranian military spokesperson warned that any renewed US attacks would meet a 'harder and broader' response than Tehran's past retaliations, and that US facilities, personnel and interests anywhere within reach could become targets.

2. Middle East Eye

   3 Nov 2026, 08:14 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye's morning update reports the same Iranian warning, that explosions overnight in Qesh Island and Bandar Lengeh were later confirmed as US strikes, that Ghalibaf said the ball was in Washington's court, and that Trump said Washington might 'go after' Pickaxe Mountain and did not rule out resuming the war.