Iran has warned the United States and its allies against launching another major attack, saying it has information that a new offensive may be in preparation.
Iran’s military central command issued the warning on state media on Sunday. It said any fresh attack would lead to continued retaliation against US bases and interests in the region.
The military also warned that countries supporting the United States in any new attack would be treated as parties to the conflict.
Iran did not provide details about the information it said pointed to a possible US attack.
The US State Department had issued a security alert on Saturday, warning that there could be an unexpected escalation in the Middle East. It advised Americans in the region to remain alert and prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.
Nearly seven months into the US-Iran war, there are still no clear signs that either side is ready to make the major concessions needed to end the conflict.
The fighting has also increased tensions across the region and put further pressure on global energy markets.
On Saturday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said it had carried out attacks in Saudi Arabia, including strikes on the capital, Riyadh, and a major oil facility in Yanbu, a Red Sea port.
Reuters video showed a large column of black smoke rising near Riyadh’s main international airport after explosions were heard in the Saudi capital overnight.
Saudi Arabia did not comment on the reported attack or the Houthi claims. However, a Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it had stopped other attacks against the kingdom.
The US State Department’s security alert also referred to Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including threats to civilian airports.
The US Department of Defense had not immediately responded to a Reuters request for comment on Iran’s warning about a possible US attack.
The latest Houthi advances have created a difficult situation for Saudi Arabia. Riyadh must decide whether to continue airstrikes against the group to prevent it from taking more territory or reduce its military operations to avoid further attacks on key infrastructure.
The Houthi advances along Yemen’s coast have also brought the group closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strategic waterway is an important route for ships travelling between the Red Sea and Asia.
Iran has also blocked much of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, another major global shipping route. The two developments have severely affected energy exports from the Gulf region and added pressure on global oil prices.
At the same time, a US blockade of Iranian ports has limited Iran’s ability to sell its oil, worsening economic problems in the country.
Despite the heavy damage caused by the war, there is little sign that the two sides are close to returning to the temporary ceasefire reached in June.
The ceasefire broke down in July following disagreements over its terms.
Iran said on Sunday that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the conditions of the June agreement, based on its own interpretation, are met.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the country would have to continue both fighting and negotiating in order to resist its opponents and use diplomacy to strengthen its position.
