Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a speech during a prayer ceremony, expressing strong words against Israel and the West. Khamenei vowed to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike that destroyed Iran's consulate in Syria, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian generals.
Referring to the airstrike as a direct attack on Iran, Khamenei stated, 'The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished.' He accused Israel of wrongdoing and emphasized that the attack on the consulate was akin to an assault on Iranian territory.
In response to Khamenei's threats, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a warning on social media, stating that Israel would respond if Iran initiated an attack. Katz emphasized that Israel would not hesitate to retaliate if provoked.
The airstrike, which claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including Iranian Revolutionary Guard members, Syrians, and a Hezbollah militia member, has escalated tensions in the region. Israel, which has not officially acknowledged its involvement in the attack, remains on alert for potential Iranian retaliation.
Iran's support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which have engaged in hostilities against Israel, has further strained relations between the two countries. Khamenei criticized Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Britain, for backing Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Expressing disappointment in the lack of intervention by Western governments to end the ongoing conflict, Khamenei condemned their inaction. He called on the West to fulfill its responsibilities and prevent further escalation in the region.
