Updated
Senior Iranian officials have issued a wave of statements signaling preparation for possible renewed conflict with the US and Israel. Hardliners, backing security chief Mohsen Rezaei, threatened to strike Persian Gulf digital infrastructure including data centers and undersea cables if hostilities resume, while an IRGC advisor warned enemy interests across the region would be struck if Iran is attacked again. Iran's new defense minister nominee, Mehrdad Akhlaqi, outlined plans to restructure the defense ministry and upgrade military capabilities, and deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran remains ready for both diplomacy and war as it finalizes a response to US proposals from the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister Araghchi stressed holding Iran's 'enemies accountable' is an 'indisputable necessity,' while government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani and other officials emphasized Iran's steadfastness against 'bloodthirsty enemies.' The heads of Iran's three branches of government held a high-level meeting to review the country's latest developments, reflecting coordinated messaging aimed at projecting resolve amid the ongoing standoff with Washington and Tel Aviv.