In a strong statement on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced Iran’s intent to “use all available tools” to retaliate against Israel following a series of air strikes on Iranian military facilities over the weekend. The Israeli air attacks targeted missile production sites and other military installations near Tehran and in western Iran, escalating tensions between the two nations and heightening the risk of broader conflict across the Middle East.
While initial reports from Iranian officials downplayed the impact of the strikes, suggesting only minor damage, the tone shifted as international pressure mounted. U.S. President Joe Biden called for restraint, warning against further escalation that could destabilize the region. Speaking at a weekly televised conference, Baghaei underscored the severity of Iran’s response, stating, “Iran will use all available tools to deliver a definite and effective response to the Zionist regime (Israel),” without detailing the nature or scope of potential countermeasures.
The escalation follows an ongoing cycle of military actions between the two nations, marked by retaliatory attacks. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the issue publicly on Sunday, stressing that while the attacks should be neither minimized nor exaggerated, they require a response that demonstrates Iran’s power. His directive to Iranian officials indicated a likely shift towards heightened military readiness.
The air strikes, which involved multiple waves of attacks by scores of Israeli fighter jets, targeted missile production facilities near Tehran, alongside other strategic sites. Israel confirmed that its air forces engaged in a pre-emptive mission aimed at neutralizing Iranian missile capabilities in response to an October 1 missile barrage from Iran, much of which Israel’s air defense systems successfully intercepted.
The situation is further compounded by Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which have been actively engaged in battles with Israeli forces along Israel’s borders. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, and Hamas, currently entrenched in conflict in the Gaza Strip, have both received substantial support from Tehran. Iran’s strong backing for these groups underscores its broader regional agenda and adds a layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
With rising hostilities and each side entrenching its military position, international leaders are increasingly calling for diplomatic intervention to prevent the situation from spiraling into an all-out conflict. Analysts suggest that an escalation could have dire consequences, not only for Israel and Iran but for the entire region, potentially disrupting global oil supplies and impacting international security.
As of now, Iran has yet to outline the specifics of its response, but Baghaei’s remarks signal the nation’s commitment to a robust and potentially wide-reaching retaliation. The world watches closely as both countries brace for what could be a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate region.
