Iran hints at preemptive strike on Israel if it sees 'indications of threats'
Iranian officials told the New York Times that the regime has fewer tools at their disposal to deal with the worsening economic situation, which is fueling the protests, or the threat of further conflict with Israel and the United States
Current section
Iranian officials told the New York Times that the regime has fewer tools at their disposal to deal with the worsening economic situation, which is fueling the protests, or the threat of further conflict with Israel and the United States
An anti-American mural in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday. Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP
An anti-American mural in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday. Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP
12:23 AM • January 07 2026 IST
Iran's leadership warned on Tuesday of the possibility of a preemptive strike against Israel, the country's newly created Defence Council said in a statement released Tuesday.
Any interference in Iran's internal affairs or attempts by enemies of the Islamic Republic to undermine the country's stability would be answered, officials said.
The council, which was set up in August following the 12-day war with Israel, added that Iran would not limit itself to reacting "only after an action has taken place," but would also regard "concrete signs of threats as part of the security equation."
