International Desk || Iran has announced preparations for an all-out war amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with a senior security official warning that Tehran has made a “final decision” to respond to any aggression, assassination or covert operation against the country.The official said Iran would show no restraint in responding to any new attack.In an interview with Iran’s state-run Press TV on Wednesday, the official said the country’s armed forces were fully prepared for a potential conflict. He warned that Iran could target not only those responsible for an attack but also their interests and affiliated targets across the region.The remarks suggest that Iran is prepared to expand the scope of any retaliation beyond its own territory, potentially increasing the risk of a wider regional confrontation.Tehran views US and Israel as a joint military forceThe Iranian security official claimed that Tehran did not believe the United States would attack Iran without Israel, or that Israel would launch such an operation without American support.He described the idea that either country could independently wage a war against Iran as a “bitter joke”.The official also argued that public threats of military action against Iran by US and Israeli officials had provided Tehran with what it considers legal and moral grounds to take necessary defensive measures. These statements reflect the Iranian official’s position and have not been independently verified.Israel considers renewed strikes on IranAmid Iran’s warnings, Israel is reportedly preparing for the possibility of another major military campaign against the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported resuming large-scale strikes against Iran.In early October, the Israeli military prepared plans targeting Iranian infrastructure, nuclear facilities and sites linked to the country’s leadership. However, the plans did not proceed following objections from US President Donald Trump.Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran remain at an impasse ahead of the US midterm elections.According to reports citing officials, US officials believe Tehran is slowing the pace of negotiations in an effort to secure concessions from Washington and weaken Trump’s political position.Iran demands confidence-building measures before talksAlongside its military warnings, Tehran has adopted a firm stance on diplomatic engagement with Washington.Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Tuesday that Iran would not enter talks with the United States until Washington took steps to build trust. According to his remarks, Iran’s conditions must be met before negotiations can begin.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also said Washington must fulfil seven conditions set by Tehran.He argued that the United States had put itself in a difficult position by starting a war with Iran and that Washington must take the necessary steps to resolve the crisis.According to the information cited in the report, a 14-point Islamabad memorandum signed by the Iranian and US presidents in June envisaged a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending hostilities on all fronts and lifting the blockade and sanctions imposed on Iran.However, the current implementation status of the memorandum and its conditions has not been independently verified in the information available.Fears of a wider regional conflictIran’s warning of preparations for an all-out war has raised concerns that any renewed confrontation could spread beyond a direct conflict between Iran and Israel.Tehran has indicated that US interests in the region, as well as facilities belonging to parties supporting attacks against Iran, could become targets of retaliation.Such a scenario could threaten energy supplies, maritime transport and international trade across the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, and any escalation there could disrupt shipping and affect oil markets.However, Iran’s announcement of military preparedness does not necessarily mean that a new war is inevitable. The statement could serve several purposes, including deterring adversaries, signalling military resolve or strengthening Tehran’s position in potential negotiations.The course of the crisis will depend on military developments, possible retaliatory strikes and progress in diplomatic efforts.Sources: Press TV, Reuters and the Financial Times.