Iran issued a stern warning on Sunday, vowing to retaliate against the United States and Israel should either launch strikes in response to a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The warning came hours after a ballistic missile, fired by the Iran-aligned group, landed near Terminal 3 of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring at least eight people.

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said Iran harbours no hostility toward neighbouring states but would consider US bases and assets in the region as legitimate targets in case of retaliation. “If this war is initiated by the US or the Zionist regime, Iran will target their interests, bases, and forces—wherever and whenever deemed necessary,” he declared.

His remarks followed the unveiling of Iran’s latest ballistic missile, the Qassem Bassir, with a range of 1,200 kilometres and powered by solid fuel—highlighting the nation’s growing missile capabilities.

The Houthis, who have targeted Israel and Red Sea maritime routes since late 2023, fired the missile that reportedly evaded multiple air defence systems, including the US-supplied THAAD and Israel’s Arrow systems. The strike landed just 75 meters from airport infrastructure, sparking serious security concerns.

In a swift reaction, Israel vowed a “sevenfold retaliation,” with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant asserting, “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, warning that Israeli strikes on the Houthis would not be limited to a single operation. “We are acting and will continue to act. The United States is coordinating its response with us,” he said.

Tensions between the US and the Houthis have been rising since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in mid-March. The group also claimed to have downed a US F-18 fighter jet last week, further escalating regional tensions.

Iran issued a stern warning on Sunday, vowing to retaliate against the United States and Israel should either launch strikes in response to a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The warning came hours after a ballistic missile, fired by the Iran-aligned group, landed near Terminal 3 of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring at least eight people.

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said Iran harbours no hostility toward neighbouring states but would consider US bases and assets in the region as legitimate targets in case of retaliation. “If this war is initiated by the US or the Zionist regime, Iran will target their interests, bases, and forces—wherever and whenever deemed necessary,” he declared.

His remarks followed the unveiling of Iran’s latest ballistic missile, the Qassem Bassir, with a range of 1,200 kilometres and powered by solid fuel—highlighting the nation’s growing missile capabilities.

The Houthis, who have targeted Israel and Red Sea maritime routes since late 2023, fired the missile that reportedly evaded multiple air defence systems, including the US-supplied THAAD and Israel’s Arrow systems. The strike landed just 75 meters from airport infrastructure, sparking serious security concerns.

In a swift reaction, Israel vowed a “sevenfold retaliation,” with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant asserting, “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, warning that Israeli strikes on the Houthis would not be limited to a single operation. “We are acting and will continue to act. The United States is coordinating its response with us,” he said.

Tensions between the US and the Houthis have been rising since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in mid-March. The group also claimed to have downed a US F-18 fighter jet last week, further escalating regional tensions.