The Iranian regime has long maintained a posture of existential hostility toward both Israel (which it refers to as the “Zionist entity” or “Little Satan”) and the United States (“Great Satan”), rooted in its founding ideology since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This includes repeated chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” in official settings, support for proxy militias (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Iraqi militias), and vows to eliminate Israel while expelling U.S. influence from the Middle East.34
Longstanding Rhetorical and Ideological Threats
• Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (killed in early 2026 U.S.-Israeli strikes) and his successors, have routinely threatened a “crushing response” or “crushing retaliation” against any attacks on Iran or its “resistance axis” allies.48
• This rhetoric frames Israel as an illegitimate occupier to be “wiped off the map” (echoing earlier statements) and the U.S. as an imperialist enemy whose regional bases, forces, and interests are legitimate targets.36
• Iran has historically backed asymmetric attacks, including via proxies, against U.S. and Israeli targets (e.g., past incidents like the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing or attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq).
Recent Threats in the Context of the 2026 War
As of April 2026, Iran and the U.S./Israel are engaged in an active, escalating direct conflict that began with major U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026 (Operation Epic Fury), targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile capabilities, military infrastructure, and leadership (including the killing of Khamenei). Iran has responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drones.3
Key recent Iranian threats include:
• Vows of broader and more intense retaliation: Iranian officials, including spokespersons from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, have warned of striking all U.S. and Israeli assets across the region—including fuel, energy, economic centers, power plants, and military bases—if attacks on Iranian infrastructure continue. They promise “greater intensity and force” in future phases.29
• Escalation if civilian targets are hit: Iran has stated that repeated strikes on civilian or economic sites (e.g., power plants, bridges, universities) will trigger “much more forceful” offensive operations against Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states hosting U.S. forces.12
• Threats extending to U.S. homeland: Some Iranian media and statements have warned that the war’s consequences “could reach American territory” or “hit U.S. soil” in response to threats against Iranian energy infrastructure or the Strait of Hormuz.47
• Mobilization and sacrifice rhetoric: President Masoud Pezeshkian and others have claimed millions of Iranians are “ready to die” defending the nation, framing the conflict as a defense against U.S./Israeli aggression while rejecting ceasefires without guarantees.1
• Proxy and regional expansion: Iran has activated or coordinated with allies (Houthis, Hezbollah remnants) for attacks on Israel and U.S. interests, while threatening to disrupt global oil flows (e.g., via the Strait of Hormuz) or expand strikes to Gulf energy sites.20
In practice, Iran has already launched dozens of missile waves (e.g., reported as high as “wave #98”) targeting Israeli cities (Tel Aviv, Haifa, etc.) and U.S. facilities, causing casualties and damage, while closing or threatening key maritime chokepoints.11
These threats are both rhetorical (to rally domestic support and deter further strikes) and operational (manifested in missile barrages and proxy actions). However, Iran’s conventional military has been degraded by ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes, shifting reliance toward asymmetric tools, missiles, and survivalist defiance amid leadership disruptions (e.g., new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei facing reported challenges). The regime portrays itself as resisting aggression while warning of high costs to its adversaries, including potential wider regional or even global economic fallout.14
The situation remains highly fluid, with mutual escalation risks centered on nuclear sites, energy infrastructure, and leadership targets.
