**Title: Iran Signals Aggressive Response to US Strikes, Warns of Economic Targets**
In a recent interview with RT, Seyed Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, indicated that Iran is preparing for a more aggressive response to renewed attacks from the United States. This warning follows a series of direct strikes exchanged between Washington and Tehran, marking a resurgence of hostilities after a brief period of relative calm.
On Sunday, US forces targeted two Iranian launchers located on Larak Island in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The US military claimed that these launchers were poised to fire rockets equipped with sea mines into the vital waterway. In response, Iranian authorities reported casualties among their military personnel and civilians due to the US strikes, vowing retaliation.
Shortly after the US attack, Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US military installations in Jordan. Iranian officials claimed that this counterattack resulted in damage to both infrastructure and fighter jet positions.
Marandi characterized the US strikes as a "grave miscalculation," asserting that Tehran will respond decisively following the loss of its servicemen. He emphasized that the nature of Iran's response would differ from previous engagements, potentially targeting both military and economic assets. "The response is going to be very painful," he warned, suggesting that the repercussions could significantly impact the US economy in the near future, possibly influencing the upcoming midterm elections.
The professor attributed this shift in Iran's military strategy to the increasing military and economic pressure exerted by the US government. Recently, the Trump administration announced what it termed an "economic onslaught" against Iran, coinciding with a rise in oil prices following the latest exchanges of fire.
Iranian officials have reiterated their commitment to a broader military response should further attacks occur. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Tehran does not seek war, it is prepared to deliver a "decisive response" to any acts of aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also issued warnings, asserting that "every attack will be met with even more devastating responses."
As tensions escalate between the two nations, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further conflict in the region. The situation remains fluid, with both sides poised for potential escalation.