Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned that any US military action would be met with a harsh response, including strikes on Tel Aviv, in a Hebrew post on X/Twitter on Wednesday.
Shamkhani wrote that a “limited strike is an illusion,” adding that any US military move, “from any source and at any level,” would be treated as an act of war.
He cautioned that Iran’s response would be “immediate and unprecedented,” aimed at “the aggressor, the heart of Tel Aviv, and all supporters of the aggressor.”
The warning came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared before a Senate hearing that, while scheduled to address Venezuela, quickly moved to Iran and regional security.
Rubio argued that “the Iranian regime is weaker now than at any time in the past,” pointing to public anger over a “collapsing economy” and saying protests are likely to erupt again.
Addressing US deployments, Rubio said existing security commitments, including the defense of Israel and other partners, require a credible American presence to deter or respond to potential Iranian attacks.
The buildup, he said, is intended to protect “our people” from what could be an Iranian threat.
Rubio: Reinforcements in MidEast 'smart and cautious step'
Rubio described the reinforcement as “a smart and cautious step,” designed to ensure forces in the region can respond, and if necessary, prevent attacks on thousands of US service members, facilities, and allies. He emphasized that the posture gives the president options for defensive action if required.
The secretary added that the United States currently has “between 30,000 and 40,000” troops at at least eight sites across the region, all within range of “thousands of Iranian UAVs and ballistic missiles.”
He said Washington must maintain sufficient power in the region as a baseline for defense, with the option of preemptive protective measures reserved to the president.