Senior officials unanimously warn of regional war, change in Iran's defense doctrine

TABNAK, Feb. 02 - Following the Leader of the Islamic Revolution yesterday remarks, Iranian high ranking officials warn of a regional war in case of any US k on Iran.

News ID: 7139

Date: 02 February 2026 - 12:19

Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces has warned that any mistake by adversaries could trigger a regional escalation, saying such an outcome would leave the United States and its allies exposed to serious security risks.

Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, made the remarks during a nighttime inspection of the combat readiness of a military unit, according to Mehr News Agency.

Referring to Iran’s long-standing confrontation with US policies, Mousavi said the Iranian nation has consistently resisted Washington’s “hegemonic and aggressive behavior,” forcing repeated setbacks on its adversaries over the past decades.

He pointed to the recent complex, multi-layered, and terrorist-driven unrest, stating that Iran disrupted the enemy's calculations during the confrontation.

Mousavi said that over the past 47 years, Iranians have repeatedly demonstrated that the country “cannot be devoured,” adding that adversaries who fail to learn from past experiences will ultimately face defeat.

The Iranian military chief recalled past conflicts, including the Iran–Iraq war, the recent 12-day war, and unrest in January, saying Iran had countered coordinated plans involving the United States and the Israeli regime.

He emphasized that the motivation and readiness of Iran’s armed forces are at their highest level, warning that even a minor miscalculation by adversaries would “open the way for action,” adding that, in such a scenario, no American personnel would be safe and a regional fire would engulf the United States and its partners.

Mousavi also rejected claims about the possibility of a maritime blockade against Iran, stating that the country’s geographic and geopolitical position makes such a scenario unfeasible.

He said Iran has revised its defense doctrine following the 12-day conflict, shifting toward an offensive doctrine based on rapid and wide-ranging operations, employing fierce military strategies.

Mousavi concluded that Iran, relying on its people, armed forces, and leadership, would not show any negligence in confronting threats and remains fully prepared for retaliatory action if necessary.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has also warned about the consequences of any aggression against the country.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said countries in the region understand that any threat or instability targeting Iran would inevitably produce spillover effects beyond its borders.

Baghaei said Iran’s diplomatic apparatus had remained actively engaged over the past week to safeguard national interests and preserve regional peace and stability, citing high-level contacts involving the president as well as phone calls by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi with his regional counterparts.

Addressing recent Israeli attacks on regional states, Baghaei condemned intensified Israeli crimes in Gaza and Lebanon, saying one of the most severe assaults since the ceasefire had killed at least 30 Palestinians. He added that continued attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas in Lebanon aim to obstruct reconstruction efforts and place greater responsibility on ceasefire guarantors.

On the European Union’s move to label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a so-called terrorist organization, Baghaei called the decision a “strategic mistake,” saying European ambassadors in Tehran had been summoned and the issue was under review by relevant authorities. He said the move amounted to an insult to the Iranian people and blamed Europe for ignoring the IRGC’s role in combating terrorism.

Baghaei also addressed questions regarding potential negotiations with the United States, saying Iran would not ignore past experiences, including repeated breaches of commitments and deceptive practices by Washington over the past decade. He said these experiences would be fully considered in any future decision-making.

Baghaei said Iran has consistently demonstrated its commitment to diplomacy and peaceful approaches to protecting national interests and regional security, adding that regional countries are making sincere efforts to prevent further escalation, unlike European states, which are contributing to rising tensions.

He went on to say that Iran maintains close contact with Riyadh and does not assess countries’ positions based on media reports alone. He said recent diplomatic exchanges, including contacts between the two foreign ministers, reflect ongoing dialogue.

He reiterated that lifting sanctions remains a key priority for Iran, stating that Tehran expects the removal of unjust sanctions in exchange for confidence-building measures regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

Baghaei also noted that joint naval drills involving Iran, China, and Russia are annual exercises and will be conducted according to a predefined schedule, adding that Iran’s military exercises continue regularly and without change.

Commenting on remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, Baghaei said the lack of information stems from the consequences of Israeli military attacks, adding that inspectors had previously carried out routine visits in line with established procedures.

"The US should know that if it starts a new war, this time it will be a regional war," Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said yesterday Sunday morning receiving a group of people from different walks of life at Imam Khomeini Hussainiya on the first day of the Ten-Day Dawn celebrations.