Iran has signaled its intention to retaliate against Israel for the October 26 airstrike using more advanced weaponry, including more powerful warheads. The Wall Street Journal reported that an Egyptian official revealed Iran’s plans for a “strong and complex” response to Israel’s strikes, which were in retaliation for Tehran’s earlier ballistic missile attack on October 1.
An Iranian official stated that the military would likely target Israeli military installations with a significantly more aggressive approach than in previous attacks, as the October 26 strike resulted in the loss of four Iranian soldiers and one civilian. “Our military lost people, so they need to respond,” the official said.
Unlike its prior assaults, which primarily involved missiles and drones, Iran’s retaliation is expected to employ a wider range of weaponry. The October 2 attack on Israel included four different types of medium-range ballistic missiles, notably the Emad, Ghadr, Kheibar Shekan, and Fattah.
Iran has indicated that it will time its response to occur after the US presidential elections on November 5, but before the inauguration of the new president in January. Officials hinted that while the Iranian military may engage in future operations against Israel, this does not necessarily imply troop deployment, suggesting potential collaboration with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Experts, such as Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, warned that Iran retains the capability to launch a more extensive and destructive response than in its initial attacks. He emphasized that Iran’s shifting rhetoric reflects its determination to respond decisively, raising concerns about the potential development of atomic weapons amid escalating tensions.