Iran Warns of Severe Retaliation

Iran warned at the weekend that it would respond “devastatingly and decisively” if Israel attacks its nuclear facilities, elevating tensions already heightened by suggestions that Israeli strike plans are nearing completion. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi delivered the message in a 23 May televised address, adding that Tehran would treat the United States as complicit in any assault.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps echoed the warning, declaring its forces “fully prepared” for retaliation.

Parallel media reports citing US intelligence indicate Israel is refining target lists and aerial-refuelling drills in case diplomacy breaks down.

Military deployments lend weight to those assessments. Six B-2 stealth bombers already on the US base at Diego Garcia were recently joined by four B-52H Stratofortresses, enlarging the long-range strike capacity within reach of Iran.

Commodity markets reacted quickly. Last week, Brent crude rose to US$66.42 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate to US$62.92 as traders priced in higher supply risk. Safe haven flows also pushed spot gold to US$3,305 an ounce, the highest in ten days.

Diplomatic progress has been almost non-existent. The latest US–Iran talks stalled in Rome earlier this month, and Israeli officials have signalled growing impatience with the speed of negotiations.

The European Union again urged “utmost restraint,” warning that further escalation would damage regional security and global energy supplies.

Analysts warn that any strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade and amplify inflationary pressures worldwide. For now, markets and diplomats alike remain on alert for any fresh movement from Tehran, Jerusalem or Washington.