Amid high tensions in the Middle East on Monday, an Iranian military leader warned Israel of severe consequences. This followed Israel’s weekend attack on military targets that killed at least four Iranian soldiers.
Iranian Response
Major General Hossein Salami leads the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. He stated that the Israeli attack revealed its “miscalculation and frustration on the battlefield” in Gaza and Lebanon. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, echoed Salami’s statements. He asserted that Iran will “use all available tools” to retaliate against Israel’s actions.
Baghaei emphasized that Iran feels “duty-bound to respond firmly.” This comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Previously, Iran had downplayed Saturday’s airstrike, claiming it caused only limited damage. The United States has warned Iran against escalating the conflict.
Israeli Military Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that all military objectives had been accomplished. The Israeli military reported significant damage to factories that produce long-range ballistic missiles. They also destroyed air defense systems. These strikes were a response to an Iranian missile attack on October 1. That attack had little impact on Israel and was retaliation for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran, which Iran blamed on Israel.
Supreme Leader’s Statement
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated on Sunday that the Israeli attack should not be “exaggerated or downplayed.” He deferred the decision on retaliation to government officials. President Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned that Iran would respond appropriately.
U.N. Security Council Meeting
The U.N. Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss Israel’s attack on Iran. Iran requested the meeting with support from Algeria, China, and Russia. Iraq has lodged a complaint with the U.N. regarding Israel’s use of its airspace during the attack.
Palestinian Casualties
The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 43,000 since Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Over 100,000 people have reported injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas.