Iran issues chilling warning as it threatens to strike US, Israel 'wherever and whenever'

In a chilling warning, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Sunday that Tehran would not hesitate to retaliate if it came under fire from either the United States or Israel.

His comments followed remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to retaliate against Iran after the Tehran-backed Houthi group fired a missile that landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international hub.

Speaking on Iranian state television, Nasirzadeh declared: "If this war is initiated by the U.S. or the Zionist regime (Israel), Iran will target their interests, bases and forces - wherever they may be and whenever deemed necessary."

The warning comes as Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for Sunday's missile launch that struck near Ben Gurion Airport. The group said it acted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, following the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Netanyahu hit back on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying: "Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters."

Nasirzadeh, echoing Iran's long-standing position, denied direct involvement and insisted the Houthis act independently. However, the group has launched repeated missile and drone attacks against Israel, stating they support Hamas fighters.

The United States has also become increasingly entangled, launching strikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen since March 15. Former US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran will be held responsible for any attacks carried out by the group.

Nasirzadeh added that while Iran has "no hostility toward neighbouring countries," any US bases in the region would be considered targets if Iran were attacked.

His statements came as Iran unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile, named "Qassem Bassir," which reportedly has a range of 1,200 kilometres (750 miles), according to Iranian state media.

The growing crisis marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, raising fears of a broader conflict drawing in major global powers.

Netanyahu is demanding "zero enrichment" and a Libya-style deal that dismantles Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

Iran says its right to enrich is not negotiable. However the size of the uranium stockpile, shipping stocks out of the country and the number of centrifuges are under discussion, three Iranian officials said.

Under proposals discussed in rounds of talks in April, Iran would cap enrichment at 3.67%, in line with the JCPOA, all the sources, including three Iranian officials told Reuters. Tehran is also open to granting the IAEA expanded access to its nuclear sites, the Iranian sources said.

The proposals do not seek to dismantle Tehran's nuclear infrastructure entirely as Israel and some U.S. officials want, but aim to lock in permanent constraints on uranium enrichment that deter any breakout, the sources said.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff appeared to acknowledge that position in comments last week, but later said Iran must "stop and eliminate" enrichment.