Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning on Saturday, threatening Israel and the United States with a 'crushing response' in light of recent attacks on Iran and its allies. The escalating tensions come after an attack on Iran by Israel on Oct. 26, resulting in casualties and damage to military bases and other strategic locations.
Khamenei's remarks, captured in a video released by Iranian state media, emphasized that any further aggression from Israel or the U.S. would trigger a forceful retaliation. The supreme leader did not provide specifics regarding the timing or extent of the threatened response.
Recent satellite images analyzed by source revealed significant damage to Iranian military bases near Tehran, including facilities associated with the country's ballistic missile program and a Revolutionary Guard base used for satellite launches.
Iran's allies in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, have also been targeted in Israeli attacks, prompting concerns of a broader regional conflict. These groups, part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance,' have historically served as proxies for Iran in its conflict with Israel.
Despite the external threats, Iran faces internal challenges, including a struggling economy due to international sanctions and ongoing domestic unrest. Khamenei's meeting with university students on Students Day commemorated a pivotal event in Iran's history, underscoring the country's revolutionary past.
As Iran prepares to mark the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high, reflecting a longstanding animosity that continues to shape their relationship.
