Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning to Israel and the United States, promising a forceful retaliation for recent attacks on Iranian military sites. Khamenei's remarks came during a meeting with students ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran.
Khamenei emphasized that Iran is prepared to stand against what he referred to as 'arrogance,' indicating readiness in terms of military, armaments, and political actions. The Supreme Leader's comments follow a series of escalations between Iran and Israel, including missile attacks and retaliatory strikes.
Israel recently admitted to targeting Iranian sites in a significant escalation, prompting Iran to consider a 'definitive and painful' response. While tensions remain high, Khamenei's latest statements signal a departure from previous attempts to downplay the severity of the situation.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre urged Iran not to respond to Israel's strikes but assured US support for Israel's defense if necessary. Meanwhile, Iran has hinted at the possibility of increasing the range of its missiles but maintains a stance against weapons of mass destruction.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, exacerbated by Iran-allied militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, underscores the volatile nature of the region. As both sides brace for potential retaliation, the international community watches closely to see how the situation unfolds.
