Iran conducts new military maneuvers, warns against any attack

Iran conducts new military maneuvers, warns against any attack

The Iranian army is preparing to launch large-scale military maneuvers called "Zolfaghar 1403" on Saturday, amid tensions with the United States and Israel over its nuclear program.

The maneuvers are being conducted by the army in an area extending from Makran on Iran's southeastern coast to the northern Indian Ocean, and include strategic waters up to the 10th parallel, according to the Iran International website.

For his part, the commander of the maneuvers, Habibullah Sayyari, warned that any attack on Iranian interests will not go unanswered. Sayyari said: "Any enemy that believes it is capable of harming our interests on land, in the air or at sea will suffer heavy losses."

He added that the maneuvers will showcase Iran's latest military capabilities, showcasing the power of the ground forces, air defense, strategic naval forces, and the joint air defense command. Sayyari's comments come amid reports that Israel is considering launching an attack on Iran's nuclear sites in the first half of this year.

According to reports in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, US intelligence indicates that Israel sees Iran as more vulnerable after the Israeli airstrike on October 26, which is said to have severely damaged Iranian air defenses. Israel also reportedly believes there is growing US support for any military action, especially with Donald Trump back in the White House.