Iran will respond to any attack with force

In response to recent threats of military action from the United States, Iran has issued a stern warning, declaring that any act of aggression on its territory would provoke a devastating and catastrophic response.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, emphasised in a statement on Thursday, 22 January, that any attack on Iranian soil, its security, or national interests would render all US-linked centres, bases, and spheres of influence legitimate and immediate targets for the Iranian Armed Forces. The report was carried by Tasnim News Agency.

Reacting to the warnings from US President Donald Trump, Major General Abdollahi stated that Washington is fully aware that any miscalculation could exact a severe price. “Iran’s defensive capabilities are not theoretical—they are tangible, formidable, and unconquerable,” he asserted. He further noted that these military capabilities, built on domestic technology and bolstered by the resolute support of the Iranian people, have already disrupted adversaries’ strategic calculations, proving their effectiveness in multiple theatres of conflict.

While Iran maintains that it has never initiated a war—and has no intention of doing so—the statement underscored that the nation will respond immediately and decisively to any threat to its security. General Abdollahi made it clear that “the era of striking and fleeing is over.”

According to the senior commander, Iran’s response to any aggression would be faster, more precise, and far more destructive than the United States or Israel might anticipate. Analysts note that this position introduces a new dimension to Middle Eastern geopolitics, raising concerns across the international community regarding regional stability and security.

The key points of Iran’s statement can be summarised as follows:

The statement reflects Tehran’s unyielding stance amid escalating tensions, signalling to both regional and global actors that any threat against Iran will be met with overwhelming force, while continuing to stress that Iran seeks no conflict unless provoked.