TEHRAN, 2025-06-20 03:55:00
Iran Warns of Escalation in Conflict with Israel
Tensions are rising as Iran suggests it has only scratched the surface of its military capabilities in the ongoing conflict.A ceasefire now, according to Iranian officials, would be a mistake.
- Iran claims to have deployed only a fraction of its military strength.
- A ceasefire now, according to Iran, would allow Israel to regroup.
- Pakistan allegedly assures Iran of nuclear retaliation if Israel uses nukes.
Are we on the brink of a larger conflict? Iranian Revolutionary Guard senior commander General Mohsen Rezaei has stated that iran has utilized a mere 30% of its current military capacity and just 5% of its total potential in the ongoing clashes with Israel.
During a televised interview, General Rezaei emphasized that a ceasefire at this juncture would be a strategic blunder, giving Israel an opportunity to recover and renew its attacks. He said, “We have not yet used all of our weapons, nor the Strait of Hormuz, nor oil, nor naval power, nor the capabilities of our friends and allies.”
Reader question: How might the involvement of Iran’s allies impact the duration and intensity of the conflict with Israel?
Ceasefire Concerns
rezaei indicated that Tehran is prepared to escalate military operations if needed. He believes that agreeing to a ceasefire now would be a important misstep. “Agreeing to a ceasefire at this stage would only reignite conflict allowing a weakened enemy to regroup,” he warned. He added that Iran is “steadily intensifying its military campaign,” with operations deliberately escalating at a measured pace.
“One of the reasons we are gradually escalating operations is to give people the opportunity to leave the area,” he added.
Did you know? Iran’s military doctrine emphasizes asymmetric warfare, leveraging its strengths to counter superior enemy technology.
Pakistan’s Stance
Earlier in the week,Rezaei also claimed that Pakistan assured Iran it would retaliate with nuclear weapons should Israel launch a nuclear strike on Iranian territory. “Pakistan has assured us that if Israel uses a nuclear bomb on Iran, they will attack Israel with a nuclear bomb,” said Rezaei.
Did you know? The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically crucial waterway for global oil shipments.
Regional Reactions
The comments were broadcast on Iranian state television, but no Pakistani official has verified or responded publicly to the statements.On June 14, Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif addressed the national assembly, stating, “Israel has targeted Iran, Yemen, and Palestine. If Muslim nations don’t unite now,each will face the same fate.” He urged Muslim-majority nations to cut diplomatic ties with Israel and called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to formulate a joint strategy.
Escalating Tensions
Israel launched a coordinated wave of airstrikes across Iran on June 14, targeting military and nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran launched missile attacks into Israeli territory. Despite growing casualties and regional tensions, Iran has signaled the conflict could intensify further.
The Role of Proxy Warfare and International Alliances
As the Israel-Iran conflict of 2025 intensifies, understanding the role of proxy warfare and international alliances becomes crucial. The conflict, initially a shadow war, has shifted into direct military confrontation [[1]]. This evolution has significantly altered the landscape of the Middle East, introducing new complexities and amplifying the potential for wider conflict.
IranS strategy heavily relies on asymmetric warfare. This includes supporting regional actors through funding, training, and providing weaponry. The involvement of these proxies significantly complicates the conflict, blurring the lines of duty and making de-escalation more difficult.
Iran’s Proxy Network
Key players entangled with Iran’s interests:
- Hezbollah (Lebanon): A powerful Lebanese political and militant group.
- Hamas (Gaza Strip): A palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist association.
- Houthis (Yemen): an Iranian-backed group that has been involved in the Yemeni Civil War.
These groups enable Iran to project power beyond it’s borders, striking at Israel and its allies while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability.
The Impact of Alliances
The involvement of Iran’s allies directly impacts the duration and intensity of the conflict. Strong alliances could potentially prolong the conflict,as the support provided to Iran’s proxies can replenish resources and provide strategic options. The support also escalates the risk of a wider regional war. Conversely, international pressure and diplomatic efforts from nations not directly involved could help to de-escalate the conflict, leading to a negotiated solution.
What role do international bodies play? The United Nations Security Council has convened emergency sessions to address the conflict [[2]].These sessions aim to mediate, and assess the situation, and prevent the escalation.
Are there any nations backing Israel? At present, Israel is receiving support from the United States and many European nations.However, official, direct military intervention has been avoided as a deliberate strategy, and these relationships are strained.
With the potential for further escalation, the role of international bodies is crucial. The UN is tasked with maintaining global peace, preventing the conflict from spreading beyond the region.
Did you know? Proxy conflicts can make it harder to identify the instigators and achieve a lasting peace, as seen in previous conflicts in the Middle East.
Potential Risks
The escalating conflict carries significant risks [[3]]. The involvement of multiple actors, whether directly or through proxies, raises the likelihood of miscalculation and unintended escalation. In addition,the use of increasingly refined weaponry increases the potential for widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
The comments from General Rezaei and the recent statements from Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, suggest the conflict could broaden. The exchange points to the complex network of alliances and underscores the potential dangers of the ever-changing situation.
If Iran employs other strategies, how would this impact the situation? Iran could utilize its naval power, the potential to block the Strait of Hormuz, and its alliances to expand the scope of the war.
Looking Ahead
The role of proxy warfare and international alliances will continue to shape the Israel-Iran conflict. The ability to contain the conflict can influence the balance of power in the region and global stability. The world is watching closely as this complex situation unfolds.
Will there be a nuclear standoff between Israel and Iran? The specter of nuclear escalation heightens fears. The potential involvement of other nations, as suggested by Pakistan, dramatically raises the stakes.
How can the conflict be de-escalated? De-escalation depends on diplomatic efforts, strict adherence to international law, and a willingness to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
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