Iran claims has used only 'fraction' of its firepower — warns of intensified strikes

Iran's armed forces issued a warning on Day 21-22, claiming the Islamic Republic has used only a 'fraction' of its military firepower in the 21-day war with the US and Israel. The statement is intended as a deterrent signal: Iran is asserting it retains substantial unreleased capability despite significant degradation of its missile infrastructure. Iran also warned of 'zero restraint' if energy facilities are targeted again — a direct response to Israel's strike on the South Pars gas field. The 'zero restraint' warning came alongside Iranian retaliatory strikes on Ras Laffan (Qatar) and Mina Al-Ahmadi (Kuwait) following the South Pars attack. In a separate development, Supreme Leader Khamenei said in his Nowruz (Persian New Year) message: 'At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you, our compatriots… the enemy has been defeated.' This is Iran's domestic framing of the war as a victory, despite massive military degradation. Separately, Iranian President Pezeshkian emphasized Iran does not seek war with neighbours and is not pursuing nuclear weapons — noting Khamenei has declared nuclear weapons religiously forbidden. This is likely aimed at reassuring Gulf neighbours and pre-empting further coalition-building against Iran.