Israel Katz warns of a full-force retaliation against Iran as the Middle East faces a potential return to all-out regional war.
Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister, warned on Sunday that Israel will retaliate with "full force" if Iran’s missiles strike its borders. This warning comes as the ceasefire brokered by the administration collapses, leading to a new round of missile strikes across the region. Iran recently launched ballistic missiles at US-allied Arab states, including Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure such as desalination plants. The administration has moved to apply maximum pressure on Iran following the deaths of two US soldiers in Iranian strikes on a Jordanian airbase. To reinforce its regional posture, the US is expected to send dozens of additional refueling planes to Israel. While the administration has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, photos show considerable destruction at various sites. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned that the US would face "unforgettable lessons" if the current offensive continues. The administration also urged Republican allies in Congress to expand sanctions on Russia to include Iran.