The Times of Israel on January 5 quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as warning that there was a risk of a large-scale war if Israel carried out military operations targeting Tehran. "We are fully prepared for the possibility that Israel will continue to attack. I hope Israel will refrain from such reckless actions, because that could lead to a large-scale war," Araghchi said.

The long-running conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated over the past year, leading to a number of direct tit-for-tat exchanges that could spiral out of control without diplomacy, Araghchi said. “We believe that reason will eventually prevail and prevent actions that could have serious consequences,” he added.

RT said that recent developments in the Middle East, including the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the significant weakening of Hezbollah, have significantly changed the strategic balance in the region. Israeli and US officials may perceive Tehran as increasingly vulnerable, opening the door to discussing potential preemptive military action.

The statement came amid reports that most senior officials in Israel's defense establishment have urged the country to launch an attack inside Iran.

With Israel's counterattacks on the Houthis in Yemen largely ineffective, some have suggested striking Iran. "We need to take out Iran. If we just attack the Houthis in Yemen, it's not certain that we can stop their actions," said David Barnea, director of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

Iranian officials are also concerned about a potential attack from Israel stemming from Tel Aviv's destruction of Tehran's air defense system and acceptance of a ceasefire in Lebanon, as well as the victory of US President-elect Donald Trump.

In April, an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, reportedly killed two Iranian generals and several officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In retaliation, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles in an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, according to RT.