The Iranian General Staff warned Israel of “widespread and comprehensive destruction” of its infrastructure if Israel responds to the unprecedented missile attack carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday evening. Over 200 ballistic missiles were fired in a half-hour window, targeting various regions within Israel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the operation had concluded unless Israel decides to provoke further responses. He noted that Israel’s supporters now bear significant responsibility for restraining the “warmongers in Tel Aviv.” Araghchi emphasized that Iran had acted in self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Threats of Escalation
The Iranian General Staff issued a statement warning that if “countries supporting the Zionist entity” intervene, Tehran will target their interests and bases in the region with force. General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that the missile attack had struck three key Israeli air bases and a Mossad headquarters. Among the targets were Nevatim Airbase, housing F-35 fighters, radar systems, and tank gatherings around Gaza, as well as Hatzor Airbase, which was responsible for the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh affirmed that the IRGC operation was legitimate under international law. He also noted that Iran had not yet deployed its most advanced, high-destructive missile capabilities in the operation dubbed “True Promise.”
Nasirzadeh warned that if the region escalates into war, Tehran will respond with even greater force in future waves of attacks.
Iran’s Missile Capabilities
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked that the missile strike on Israel was just part of Iran’s capabilities, carried out in defense of its interests and citizens. He reiterated that Israel should not underestimate Iran’s resolve, warning that any Israeli attack would lead to even more devastating retaliation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also cautioned against the involvement of third parties in the conflict, holding Israel’s backers responsible for reining in its actions. The ministry emphasized that Iran’s missile strikes were conducted in self-defense, targeting only military and security installations in Israel.
First Wave of Attacks
Earlier, the IRGC confirmed that dozens of missiles had hit critical security and military targets in Israel. According to the IRGC, 90% of the missiles reached their targets with precision. The operation was approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and had the backing of the military. The IRGC explained that the missile strike followed a period of restraint after the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
This wave of attacks was only the first, the IRGC warned, stating that any military response from Israel would result in even stronger and more destructive strikes from Iran.
Israeli Response and Warnings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the Iranian missile strike as a failure, threatening that Tehran had made a grave mistake and would pay a heavy price. During the attack, Netanyahu and several ministers were reportedly sheltered in an underground facility in Jerusalem.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that Iran had “not learned its lesson” and promised that anyone who attacks Israel will “pay dearly.”
Following the unprecedented missile attack, the Israeli military announced it would respond at a time of its choosing to demonstrate its offensive precision and surprise capabilities. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari downplayed the damage caused by the Iranian strike, stating that it had not affected the air force’s operational capacity or defense systems.
The Israeli media, including Channel 12 and Yedioth Ahronoth, reported that the scale of the Iranian attack was twice that of the previous one in April, with calls for an intensified Israeli response. The Israeli Air Force announced plans for further retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.
U.S. Involvement and Global Tensions
The Israeli-American cooperation in missile defense was underscored, with Israel’s defense systems closely coordinated with the U.S. to intercept Iranian missiles. President Joe Biden noted that the full consequences of the Iranian attack were not yet clear and that the U.S. was in constant consultation with Israel on how to proceed.
Biden reaffirmed that the United States stands fully behind Israel, adding that the U.S. had already supported Israel’s defense systems. He suggested that, from the initial reports, the Iranian attack did not have the desired effect.
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Iran threatens Israel with “widespread destruction” if it retaliates after Tehran’s massive missile strike. Learn more about the unfolding conflict.
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Iran missile strike, Israel response, Iranian missile attack, Tehran threats, Middle East conflict, Israel-Iran tensions, international relations
