Iran's Revolutionary Guards Threaten Israel with Retaliation
In a bold statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, declared that Tehran would respond "painfully" to any Israeli attacks. This warning comes in the wake of escalating tensions, particularly following recent Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of several Iranian and allied military leaders, including Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed in Beirut last month. Salami emphasized that Israel had made a significant mistake in targeting key resistance figures, asserting that Iran is prepared to retaliate if its territory is attacked.
Salami's comments were made during a funeral service for Nilforoushan, where he reiterated that the recent missile attacks on Israel were merely a warning shot, indicating that further action would follow if provoked. In early October, Iran launched approximately 180 missiles towards Israel, a move described as retaliation for the assassination of prominent leaders within the Iranian and Hezbollah ranks.
Israeli Military Strategy and Target Approvals
As tensions mount, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly approved a series of military targets within Iran, following Iran's missile attacks. According to sources, these targets include missile launch sites, drone facilities, and government buildings, while efforts will be made to avoid bombing sensitive oil and nuclear sites. The timeline for these potential strikes remains unspecified, but the situation reflects a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations.
The recent conflict has also seen Israel intensifying its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, leading to widespread devastation and accusations of genocide. The ongoing violence has raised concerns internationally, with calls for restraint and diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.