Iran warns it may invade neighbors if US resumes strikes

Iran has issued a stark warning that it might invade neighboring nations if the United States restarts its aerial campaign, reports indicate. The Islamic Republic is reportedly strengthening defenses and mobilizing supporters ahead of November's US midterm elections. Planners are drafting strategies to deliver a punishing military response should Donald Trump and his Gulf allies continue striking war-torn territory. In an extreme scenario, this could mean ground invasions across Iran's borders. Satellite imagery confirms the nation is hardening nuclear sites and military camps right on its edges.

Neighboring states include the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have supported Mr Trump since the conflict began in February. Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Qatar also sit along these shared lines. The Wall Street Journal notes that Tehran is preparing its population for a renewed fight against Washington. Government officials are sending troops to read war stories to schoolchildren while organizing political rallies. Civilians now receive lessons on operating handheld anti-aircraft weapons. Billboard signs advertise sniper courses and instruction on shoulder-fired missile systems.

President Donald Trump has hinted he might order fresh strikes on Iranian targets after the upcoming elections. Iran is gearing up civilians for what it calls a renewed war. Political rallies are already underway in Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed in November that it trained the first female commando units in guerrilla warfare. These women underwent firearms and drone piloting instruction at training camps.

This propaganda drive arrives as diplomatic, economic, and political strains tighten on the country. Ordinary Iranians feel the pressure as Mr Trump increases sanctions and tightens the blockade against the Islamic Republic. Sanam Vakil, Middle East director at London's Chatham House think-tank, told the WSJ that the war footing helps them right now due to an impasse on many fronts, diplomatically, economically, and politically. She added that with a new war, the Islamic Republic could dig itself out of the cul-de-sac it has dug for itself.

Iranian officials say troops could conduct land incursions into neighboring countries. On Sunday, national security chief Mohsen Rezaei said the UAE is one possible target. He mentioned attacks on data centres and internet cables. Tehran also warned of targeting Saudi energy infrastructure after recent Houthi air strikes on oil facilities in that nation. The Wall Street Journal reports Mr Trump might mount further attacks as a third aircraft carrier and another US Marine unit arrive in the region. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is weighing up sending more air defence equipment and munitions to US bases across the Middle East. However, the President stated last week he would not hit Tehran again before next month's midterm elections.