Le Monde: Iran Hints at a Pre-emptive Strike After the Occupation Entity Approves the “Iron Strike” Plan

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

The French newspaper Le Monde revealed an unprecedented escalation in tensions between Iran on one side, and the Israeli occupation entity and the United States on the other, amid growing talk of an imminent large-scale military confrontation that could extend across the entire region.

A Major Military Plan Against Iran

According to the newspaper, the occupation entity has approved a comprehensive military plan dubbed “Iron Strike,” developed in coordination with the U.S. administration. The plan aims to target what remains of Iran’s ballistic missile production facilities and nuclear infrastructure that were not destroyed during the “12-Day War” in June 2025.

Le Monde explained that the plan was the outcome of secret talks between the occupation entity’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. President Donald Trump, during a private meeting held at the Mar-a-Lago resort.

“Light Shield”: A Qualitative Shift in the Confrontation

The newspaper noted that the military plan includes, for the first time, reliance on an advanced laser system known as “Light Shield,” designed to disable Iranian drones and missiles before launch—marking a notable shift in the occupation entity’s defensive and offensive doctrine.

Military Alert and Comprehensive Maneuvers

In the same context, Le Monde pointed out that the occupation entity’s army has been placed on maximum alert since January 5, 2026, alongside the execution of large-scale strategic exercises simulating scenarios of a full-scale war against Iran, involving air, ground, and naval units.

Tehran: We Will Not Wait for the First Strike

In response, the Iranian Defense Council—formed after the June 2025 war—announced in a strongly worded statement issued on January 6 that Iran would not wait to be attacked before responding.

The council affirmed that “tangible signs of threat” would be considered sufficient justification for carrying out pre-emptive strikes, stressing that Iran’s security and sovereignty constitute a “red line” that cannot be compromised.

Direct Iranian Warning to Washington

In a further escalation, Ali Larijani warned the United States that its troops deployed in the region would be considered legitimate targets if Iran were subjected to any aggression—an explicit indication of the potential expansion of the confrontation to include U.S. bases and interests in the Middle East.

Revolutionary Guard Drills in Preparation for the Worst

These developments coincided with intensive military exercises conducted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, including aerial sorties and tests of air defense systems over Tehran and Shiraz on January 5, as part of preparations to repel any potential surprise attack.