Iran Pledges Strong Response to Israeli Air Strikes Amid Growing Middle East Tensions

Iran has announced that it will deliver a “definite and effective” response following Israeli air strikes on military sites near Tehran and in western Iran over the weekend. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei declared on Monday that Iran would utilize “all available tools” to retaliate against what it views as Zionist aggression. The strikes reportedly targeted missile factories and other facilities crucial to Iran’s defense.

Though Iranian officials initially minimized the damage, citing limited losses, Baghaei’s strong words reflect mounting regional tensions. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged restraint, seeking to prevent further escalation amid fears that the situation could spiral into a wider regional conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed calls for a calibrated response, emphasizing that the Israeli attack should neither be exaggerated nor dismissed. The attack marks the latest episode in an intensifying series of tit-for-tat hostilities between Iran and Israel, with Israel claiming it downed multiple missiles in a barrage from Iran on October 1.

The ongoing hostilities are further complicated by Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which are currently engaged in active combat with Israeli forces in Lebanon and Gaza, respectively. Both sides now face international calls to avoid a potential flashpoint, with the region on high alert amid escalating hostilities.