Iran has vowed retaliation if the United States proceeds with threatened attacks on its critical energy infrastructure, amid ongoing military tensions in the region.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s wartime military command, stated on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, that "The United States is moving at an accelerating pace to fan the flames of a full-scale regional war." He accused the US of using regional capitals, resources, and infrastructure as shields for its interests while bolstering Israel’s military capabilities. Abdollahi warned, "Muslim countries must, with foresight, monitor America’s crimes and reconsider their cooperation and alignment with the US. Otherwise, any country that makes itself a defensive shield for criminal, aggressor America will burn in the fire of war."

Reports citing unnamed sources indicate that President Donald Trump has not yet authorized a US operation that could last up to two weeks, aiming to cut electricity across Tehran and cause widespread disruptions in Iran. Concerns about potential Iranian retaliation against neighboring countries and a global oil crisis have reportedly influenced this hesitation.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that while US air defenses have generally performed well, ongoing combat operations have depleted missile interceptor inventories, with Patriot missiles under 1,000 and THAAD interceptors around 250.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, commented that continued US military strikes and a naval blockade are worsening conditions in the Strait of Hormuz and other key waterways.

Recent attacks in Iraq by US and Saudi forces targeted bases aligned with Tehran, resulting in at least 20 fatalities among fighters and IRGC advisers.

Sources