Iran threatens 'harsher' retaliation if US and Israel strike again

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iran has warned that any further attacks by the US and Israel will be met with a “harsher” and “stronger” response, according to senior Iranian armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi.

“If the region enters a new phase of war, Iran’s response will extend beyond the region and be significantly harsher and stronger,” Shekarchi stated, as reported by Fars on Tuesday (26 May).

Previously, the semi-official agency reported that US and Israeli aircraft attacked Iranian vessels south of Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, killing several Iranian citizens.

The statement comes amid mediation efforts led by Pakistan to end the conflict that erupted after US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February, which were later retaliated by Iran.

A ceasefire began on 8 April and was subsequently extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.