Israel's attacks on Iran will be met with a “final and painful” response from Tehran, CNN reports, citing an anonymous informant “with insight into the discussions” taking place in Iran. The American administration calls on the Islamic republic to de-escalate tensions.
On the night of October 25-26 The Israeli army launched an attack on Iran. The targets of “precise and targeted” strikes were missile production sites, surface-to-air missile launchers and other military systems. This was in retaliation for the attacks on Israel on October 1, when Iran fired about 200 ballistic missiles at that country. This is another step in the conflict between the two countries that has been escalating for months.
Initially, Tehran responded to the latest attack – which Israel had not explicitly acknowledged in years – in a moderate manner, adopting rather de-escalatory rhetoric. – The evil committed by the Zionist regime should neither be underestimated nor exaggerated – Iran's supreme spiritual and political leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Sunday. He also added that Israel needs to be shown Iran's strength.
Israel launched a retaliatory attack on Iran. However, it did not attack nuclear or oil installationsAndrzej Zaucha/Fakty TVN
Meanwhile, CNN reports – citing an anonymous source in the Iranian administration – that Israel's attack at the end of October will be met with a “final and painful” response from Tehran.
– The response of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the aggression of the Zionist regime will be decisive and painful – said the source quoted by CNN. He did not give an exact date, but said it would take place “probably before the day of the US presidential election.”
These will take place on November 5, i.e. next Tuesday.
Anti-Israel and anti-American billboard in TehranPAP/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
US calls for de-escalation
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre reacted to these reports. “Iran should not respond to Israel's retaliation,” she said. She added that “if Iran decides to respond, the United States will be ready to support Israel in its defense.”
The Department of State spokesman was also asked about this matter at a press conference on Wednesday USA Matthew Miller. He did not want to comment on what Iran “may or may not do”, but repeated the position expressed by Jean-Pierre.
– I will not talk about communication between our governments, either real or imaginary. But – as we have already clearly stated publicly and Iran is aware of this position – (Tehran – ed.) should not escalate this conflict further, Miller said.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH