IRAN – As Middle East tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran on Thursday launched large-scale military drills, as it warns US and Israel of a surprise response to any military adventures on Iranian targets.

“Iran is currently at its highest level of military readiness, and if the United States or the Zionist regime attempts any act of aggression, they will be caught by surprise,” a senior security official who wishes to remain anonymous stated.

Tehran said it had obtained secret Israeli intelligence information, giving Iran the upper hand.

“The trove of secret Israeli documents has given Iran extensive intelligence superiority regarding the target bank of the United States and the Zionist regime,” the security official said.

Iranian Military Drills Today

In a statement, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, said the drills aim to enhance the military’s deterrent power and rigorously assess their combat readiness.

Local media said that the military maneuvers will place particular emphasis on monitoring and responding to potential enemy movements.

The military exercises come amid US media reports suggesting that Israel was planning military action against Iran over its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, the US ordered the voluntary departure of nonessential employees and military families from some locations in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that American personnel face evacuation because regional locations “could be a dangerous place.”