Iran warns Middle East war will widen if US presses Iran attacks ahead of Netanyahu-Trump talks

Iran’s army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned on Sunday (July 25, 2026) that Middle East conflict would expand if the US continues military pressure on Iran, particularly through air strikes. Speaking to state television, Akraminia stated the war already expanded to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and now encompasses areas from US bases in Jordan to Persian Gulf countries, adding Washington is seeking 'a new strategy'.

This warning comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) to meet President Donald Trump and attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral. The meeting marks their seventh encounter since Trump’s return to office, though their alliance has strained recently over whether to maintain military pressure on Iran or pursue diplomacy—tensions that peaked in April during failed ceasefire talks.

For Nigerians, escalating Gulf tensions directly impact global oil prices as Iran is a major OPEC producer, potentially increasing fuel costs at home and affecting remittances from nationals working in Gulf states. The situation also raises concerns about regional instability affecting trade routes and diaspora communities.

With Iran asserting readiness for 'each of the options and scenarios' and Trump previously calling Netanyahu 'the greatest friend' Israel had in the White House, how might shifting US-Israel-Iran dynamics affect your household budget through fuel prices or impact relatives working in the Middle East?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/26/war-to-expand-further-if-us-attacks-restart-iran-army-warns/