This screen grab taken from UGC video footage posted on social media on July 18, 2026, shows a plume of black smoke billowing over the town of Mangaf, south of Kuwait City. Kuwait accused Iran on July 18 of targeting civilian sites and vital infrastructure in the country, after reporting attacks on an oil facility and a power and water plant. (Photo by various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP - SOURCE: UGC / UNKNOWN - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVE - NO RESALE - NO USE AFTER: JULY 27, 2026 15:00:00 GMT
TEHRAN – Iran’s army warned on Sunday that the Middle East war would widen if the United States chose to press ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic, ahead of the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.

“I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists’ deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told state television.

He said the war had already expanded to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea, referencing the recent military flare-up between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.

“The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf,” he said.

Akraminia said the situation in the Middle East for the United States is “difficult and unsettled,” predicting that Washington was now looking “for a new strategy.”

“We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely,” he added.

On Friday, Israel said Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. – AFP

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