Tel aviv: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening to target its infrastructure and energy facilities should Tehran launch an attack on Israel. Katz emphasized that such a move could potentially push Iran back to 'the Stone Age and darkness.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Katz made these remarks during a Defense Ministry ceremony ahead of the Jewish New Year, which begins on September 11. He highlighted that Iran's current severe economic challenges and fears of an uprising or governmental collapse might drive it to take 'desperate measures.' Katz assured that any Iranian aggression would lead Israel to retaliate without restraint, stating, "We will strike all infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, and return Iran to the Stone Age and darkness."

Katz further asserted that Israel is well-prepared, both defensively and offensively, for any scenario, with the army ready to execute its missions. This declaration follows his earlier comments where he mentioned that Israeli aircraft are prepared to act against Iran, particularly during the upcoming Jewish holidays, due to increasing economic pressures on Tehran.

In a related development, Israeli news outlet Walla reported on Wednesday that the Israeli army is on heightened alert for a potential surprise attack from Iran. The military has developed various response scenarios, either independently or in coordination with the US.

These tensions arise amidst renewed military confrontations between the US and Iran at the start of September, following a brief period of reduced hostilities. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that it had launched a series of strikes against targets associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, destroying air defense systems, radars, naval capabilities, and communications facilities.

Iran countered with missile and drone attacks aimed at sites utilized by US forces in the region. Tehran has warned that any further US attacks would provoke a 'much stronger' response and that any locations used for operations against Iran could become 'targets' for its military forces.

Previously, Washington and Tehran had agreed on a de-escalation framework in June, facilitated by Qatari and Pakistani mediation. However, hostilities have resumed due to ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and continued military operations by both parties.