Iran-Israel tensions rise as Tehran warns of expanded strikes

Colonel Reza Sayyad, spokesperson for the Communications Centre of the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, has issued a warning to civilians residing in Israeli-controlled territories, advising them to evacuate immediately.

He stated that Iran is preparing a “broad and decisive response” to recent Israeli military actions, which may target various locations across Israel.

According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Colonel Sayyad began his statement with a religious invocation and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of launching a new offensive. He described the move as a “strategic miscalculation” that would prompt what he called a “powerful, deterrent response” from Iran’s military.

Sayyad claimed that Iranian forces had, over recent nights, successfully targeted several sensitive locations within Israeli territory, including military and intelligence facilities, decision-making centres, and even the residences of senior military officials and scientists. He further asserted that Iran possesses a detailed intelligence database of key sites within Israel and is capable of striking them at any time.

In his message, Sayyad advised civilians to avoid remaining in or near areas that could be considered potential targets, warning that even underground shelters may not provide safety. He urged people not to allow themselves to be used as “human shields”, and to take Iranian warnings seriously.

He concluded by accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of endangering civilian lives in pursuit of personal and political interests. Sayyad warned that ignoring Iran’s message would result in “significantly more difficult days” for residents of the affected areas.