Iran says it has not used full strength, signals larger response

Iran said recent military actions were only part of its available capabilities and warned that operations against the United States and Israel could expand. Officials indicated that additional drones and missiles may be used if tensions in the region continue to escalate.

Iran says operations so far do not reflect full capabilities
Iranian officials said the country has not yet “used its full strength” in the ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel. According to statements released by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recent operations were only part of the military resources available to Tehran.

The announcement came after Iran conducted multiple rounds of missile and drone strikes targeting locations linked to Israel and U.S. forces in the region. Iranian media reported that the IRGC has already carried out around 30 waves of retaliatory operations since tensions intensified.

Despite the scale of these attacks, Iranian officials insisted that the country still retains significant military capacity and could expand the scope of its operations if necessary.

Targets included Israeli locations and regional military facilities
According to Iranian statements, several recent operations involved launching missiles and drones at targets associated with Israel. Cities such as Tel Aviv and Beersheba were mentioned among the locations where warning sirens were reported after incoming projectiles were detected.

Iranian media also said missiles equipped with heavy warheads were used in some of the strikes. The IRGC claimed that certain attacks targeted strategic military sites and airbases believed to support Israeli or U.S. operations in the region.

One of the locations mentioned in Iranian reports was the Azraq airbase, which was described as a major facility used by U.S. fighter aircraft involved in regional missions. Iranian statements said the base had been targeted multiple times during recent operations.

Independent verification of the full extent of the damage or the effectiveness of these attacks remains limited.

Possible increase in drone and missile operations
A source cited by Iranian media said the IRGC could significantly expand its operations starting in the coming days. According to the report, Iran may increase the scale of drone missions by about 20 percent, while the use of strategic missiles and heavy warheads could potentially double.

The source said the planned expansion aims to strengthen Iran’s deterrence capabilities and demonstrate its ability to respond to continued military pressure.

Iranian officials framed the moves as part of a broader strategy to respond to what they describe as attacks on Iranian territory and interests.

Leadership changes and political signaling
The statements from the IRGC were released shortly after Iran selected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media reported that senior figures across the country’s military, intelligence and security institutions quickly pledged loyalty to the new leader.

Observers say the display of unity within Iran’s security apparatus may be intended to signal political stability during a period of intense external pressure.

Analysts also note that statements emphasizing unused military capacity can serve as a warning to adversaries while reinforcing domestic confidence in the country’s defense capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli responses
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said decisions about how the conflict with Iran might end would likely be made in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In comments reported by Israeli media, Trump suggested that both Washington and Tel Aviv would play a role in determining the next steps in the confrontation.

“I think it’s a joint decision to some extent,” Trump said, adding that he would consider multiple factors before deciding on future actions.

The remarks reflect the close coordination between the United States and Israel during the current crisis.

Regional tensions remain high
The latest developments highlight the continuing escalation in the Middle East as Iran, the United States and Israel exchange military actions and warnings.

Iran’s statement that it has not yet deployed its full military capacity suggests that further operations could occur if the confrontation continues.

At the same time, analysts say the situation remains highly fluid. The scale and duration of the conflict will likely depend on decisions made by the countries involved, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a broader regional escalation.