Iran's Khamenei adviser says country has entered new deterrence phase

Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Iran has entered a new phase of deterrence, dismissing assessments that the country could be struck at low cost. Speaking to reporters, Velayati warned that the consequences of such miscalculations would extend well beyond the military field and would also affect energy markets and the global economy. Velayati also said White House threats against Iran, the mobilization of regional allies and the activation of European lobbying would not produce greater security and stability, but would instead spread the fallout of any mistakes globally. The remarks follow Israeli media reports, cited by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, that the United States is planning to escalate strikes against Iran. No further details were immediately available.