Iran has issued a strong warning to a regional neighbour, cautioning that any attempt to seize one of its islands would trigger direct attacks on critical infrastructure.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said intelligence reports suggest that “Iran’s enemies” are planning to occupy an Iranian island with the backing of a regional country.

He warned that any such move would be met with “continuous and relentless attacks” targeting the assisting country’s vital infrastructure.

The warning comes as Donald Trump continues to claim that Washington is engaged in negotiations with Tehran to end the conflict — a claim Iran has denied.

At the same time, the White House has issued fresh threats, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Iran must accept defeat or face harsher military action.

US military buildup in region

The situation has further escalated with the United States increasing its military presence in the Gulf region.

Reports indicate that around 2,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division have been deployed, alongside Marine units expected to arrive aboard an amphibious assault ship.

This buildup adds to existing US forces already heading toward the region.

Focus on Kharg Island

According to reports, the potential flashpoint could be Kharg Island.

Some analysts and observers suggest that Iran’s warning may be directed at the United Arab Emirates, amid speculation it could support a US-backed operation.

Local observers say Iranians view any such move as highly escalatory, with expectations of severe retaliation against both regional actors and US forces.

Iranian sources have also warned that the conflict could expand beyond the Gulf.

According to reports cited by Tasnim News Agency, Iran could open a new front near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route between Yemen and Djibouti.

The report also suggested that Yemen’s Houthi movement may become involved if tensions escalate further.

Despite the rising tensions, there are indications of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.

The US has reportedly proposed a 15-point plan to end the conflict, while Iranian officials have outlined their own conditions for peace, though Tehran maintains that no formal talks are currently underway.