Iranian leadership is downplaying Israeli strikes against their country, despite previously vowing total war in the event of the 'tiniest invasion.' President Ebrahim Raisi, in a Friday speech, did not mention the Israeli missile strike on the Isfahan region of Iran earlier that day. Instead, Raisi focused on justifying Iran's own offensive attacks, citing 'Operation True Promise' as necessary and a big honor for the country.
Operation True Promise refers to the Iranian drone missile and drone launch against Israel that occurred last week. In response to an apparent strike on Iran’s embassy compound in Syria on April 1, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. This marked the first-ever direct Iranian military attack on Israel.
Israel, with support from the U.S., the U.K., Jordan, and other nations, successfully intercepted nearly every missile and drone launched by Iran. Israel's advanced defense systems, including Iron Dome and David’s Sling, boasted a 99% success rate in thwarting the attacks.
Despite the Iranian launch, Raisi described the attack as limited, warning that if provoked further, 'nothing would remain from the Zionist regime.' The Iranian supreme leader's decision not to address Israel's retaliatory strike highlights a significant shift in rhetoric compared to previous threats of total war.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has deep historical roots, with recent escalations tied to Iran's support of Hamas. This support culminated in Hamas carrying out the deadliest terror attack in Israel’s history on October 7.
