Further Israeli strikes on Iran may lead to full-fledged war, FM warns

An illustration of an Iranian missile attack on Israel released by Iranian state media
An illustration of an Iranian missile attack on Israel released by Iranian state media

Iran's foreign minister has warned Israel against the consequences of launching further airstrikes on the Islamic Republic, amid reports that the Israeli military is on high alert following a directive from the IDF chief.

"Iran is fully prepared for the possibility of further Israeli attacks,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told China's CCTV.

“I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless action, as it could lead to a large-scale war," he said in his December interview which was aired on Saturday.

Israeli news outlet Walla reported on Sunday that the Jewish state's military is on high alert following a directive from IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, amid fears Iran may take extreme actions against Israel.

Security officials warn that changes in the regional strategic situation could push Iran to act against Israel.

Along with the decline in the rial exchange rate and internal protests, Walla wrote that the Revolutionary Guards are transferring funds to Hezbollah via civilian aircraft, leading to the Chief of Staff ordering heightened vigilance.

Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon are in the midst of a 60-day ceasefire but both sides have reported dozens of breaches amid the US-brokered truce.

The report's sources also highlighted uncertainty over Iran's stance ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House later this month.