Iran Issues New War Warning: 'Any Moment'

By Amir Daftari

Iran warned on Monday that a new conflict with Israel could erupt at any moment, signaling a dramatic escalation in tensions months after a deadly 12-day confrontation in June.

Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior military adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, emphasized the need for full preparedness, saying, "A new war with Israel could break out at any moment. We must be strong and prepared," according to Iranian media.

Newsweek reached out the Iran and Israel's Foreign Ministries for comment.

Why It Matters

Safavi's warning underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing risk of renewed conflict. The June confrontation caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, with Israeli strikes hitting Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military command centers.

The United States, coordinating with Israel, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran retaliated with an attack on an American air base and missile strikes against Israeli targets. The involvement of both nations highlights the conflict's international reach and implications for regional stability and U.S. operations.

What To Know

"We are not in a ceasefire; we are in a stage of war. No protocol, regulation, or agreement has been written between us and the U.S. or Israel," Safavi said.

He stressed that Iran must "be prepared for the worst-case scenario," emphasizing that the country's armed forces and government need to remain fully ready for any situation, highlighting the importance of military vigilance amid persistent regional tensions.

Divergent Views

His remarks stand in contrast to statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who told state television that he does not expect an Israeli attack in the near future, reflecting differing views within Iran's leadership on the likelihood of renewed conflict.

"As an international relations expert, I am not of the opinion that war will happen in the near future," he said. Araghchi also suggested Israel aims to shape public perception by signaling the threat of war.

Israeli Response

Meanwhile, Israeli chief of staff Eyal Zamir has issued a counter-threat, asserting readiness to strike Iran again.

Speaking at a military ceremony, he said, "We are ready to attack again when necessary," describing the June conflict as "a preemptive war aimed at eliminating an existential threat before it becomes a real danger."

12-Day War

The 12-day war began on June 13, when Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities and military command centers, killing several senior officers as well as nuclear scientists. Iran's Health Ministry reported 606 civilian deaths and 5,332 wounded, while Israeli officials said retaliatory strikes killed 31 and injured about 3,000.

The U.S. entered the conflict on June 22, hitting nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan; Iran responded by attacking the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar before President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire on June 24.

What People Are Saying

Senior Military Adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Yahya Rahim Safavi: "We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. There is no protocol between us and Israel and the U.S. There is no cease-fire. A new war with Israel could break out at any moment. We must be strong and prepared."

Israeli chief of staff Eyal Zamir: "We are ready to attack again when necessary."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "As an international relations expert, I am not of the opinion that war will happen in the near future. The armed forces must always be prepared, and the government must be fully prepared for any possible situation. Being prepared is the most effective factor in preventing war."

What Happens Next

Even with a ceasefire in place, the possibility of renewed hostilities remains. Regional allies and the U.S. continue to monitor developments, while Iranian and Israeli leaders emphasize readiness, leaving the Middle East on high alert.