Iran warned of retaliation in January 2026 if the US:

1. Increases trade
2. Strikes Iranian targets
3. Reduces troops in region
4. Opens dialogue

Iran issued explicit warnings in January 2026 that any US military strike against Iranian targets or assets would trigger immediate, disproportionate retaliation. This threat followed heightened US naval deployments in the Persian Gulf and speculation about potential American responses to Iran’s nuclear advancements and regional proxy activities. Tehran emphasized its capacity to target US regional bases and shipping lanes.