TEHRAN: Iran’s army warned on Sunday that the Middle East war would widen if the United States chose to press ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic, ahead of the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington. “I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists’ deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told state television.

The Iranian army said Thursday that it would continue its strikes around the region until the attacks on Iran stopped, state television reported.

Western intelligence assessments suggest Iran could be considering a first strike against Israel as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. Reports indicate Tehran may…