After Netanyahu’s remarks, is the Middle East heading toward another Iran-Israel showdown?

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated again on Monday after Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned that Tehran had not yet “settled score” with those who acted against the country, responding directly to remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the conflict with Iran was “not over.”

Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said Iran remained prepared to respond if necessary and indicated that the country’s armed forces were ready for further action under appropriate circumstances.

“If an opportunity is given to our armed forces, it will certainly be used in the best way,” Baghaei said during the briefing.

The comments came amid growing uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire that followed weeks of military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Regional tensions have remained high due to continued disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic negotiations linked to a proposed US-backed peace framework.

Netanyahu had earlier stated that the conflict with Iran was “not over” and insisted that Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile and nuclear infrastructure still remained a major concern for Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister reportedly said meaningful progress would only come if Iran’s nuclear capabilities were dismantled.

Iranian officials, however, defended Tehran’s position and accused the United States and Israel of undermining regional stability. During Monday’s briefing, Baghaei said Iran’s response to the latest US proposal was “legitimate” and “generous,” adding that Tehran was seeking an end to the broader regional conflict, release of frozen Iranian assets and removal of restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest exchange comes shortly after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable.” Reports indicated that Tehran’s proposal included demands related to sanctions relief, war guarantees and sovereignty issues connected to the strategic Gulf waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and continued instability in the region has already triggered concerns in global energy markets. Recent reports of drone incidents near Gulf states including Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait have further intensified fears of renewed escalation.

Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes, while Israel and Western powers continue expressing concern over uranium enrichment activities and missile development.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and other regional intermediaries, officials on all sides have acknowledged that major disagreements remain unresolved. Analysts continue to warn that even limited military incidents could destabilise the already fragile ceasefire across the region.