FT Has Learned Of Iran's Intention To Launch A Full-scale Counterattack When Attacked By The US

• 25.02.2026, 22:19

Tehran will move toward escalation.

Iranian authorities intend to revise the republic's doctrine limiting retaliation to deter conflict with the United States. If the United States attacks, Iran plans to inflict significant damage on U.S. forces. This was reported by the Financial Times newspaper, citing a source.

The newspaper's interlocutor noted that the Islamic republic's authorities want to avoid a "war game." This is how he characterized Iran's strikes on US bases in Iraq in 2020 and on Qatar last year. "Iran will move toward escalation, striking everything within range, from US bases to the Strait of Hormuz and US warships," the source told the FT.

The newspaper source said Iran could take advantage of the US military's "weakness" and strike US naval forces in the Persian Gulf and bases in the Middle East. According to him, Iran could counter a possible US attack with drone strikes and ballistic missiles.