Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has issued a cautious response to the Israeli assault on Iran, stating that the attack should not be ‘overstated or underestimated’ while declining to pledge quick revenge.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran would “respond appropriately” to the incident, which killed at least four troops, while emphasizing that Tehran does not desire war.
Israel claimed it hit military targets in various Iranian provinces on Saturday in reprisal for Iranian strikes, including a barrage of over 200 strategic missiles fired at Israel on October 1.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had destroyed Iran’s air defence and missile development systems. He said the attacks severely damaged Iranian defences and missile capabilities. At a memorial for victims of last year’s October 7 attacks, Netanyahu stated, “The terrorist assault was precise and powerful, achieving its goals.” Iranian officials, however, downplayed the strike, claiming most missiles were intercepted and that the few that hit caused only minor damage to air defence systems.
Those part of this regime must understand a simple principle: “We hurt those who hurt us.”
Authorities must convey Iran’s strength and resolve to Israel and act in the nation’s interests.
Leading the call, President Pezeshkian stated, “We don’t seek war, but we will defend our nation and its rights.”
The Israeli strikes were more restricted than some analysts had anticipated. The US urged Israel not to target oil and nuclear sites, and Israel seemed to comply.
Western governments encouraged Iran not to respond, hoping to prevent escalation and a regional conflict.
Iranian media aired a video showing normal life and downplaying the “limited” damage, likely to reassure Iranians.
Israel continued to fight Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in Gaza.
Local sources reported that an Israeli air attack on Sidon in southern Lebanon killed at least eight people on Sunday.
An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza’s al-Shati refugee camp killed nine individuals, according to Palestinian sources.
Three of the fatalities were Palestinian journalists, according to Palestinian media and Reuters news agency.
A vehicle crashed into a bus stop at an Israeli military post near Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring over 30, sparking terrorism fears.
On Sunday, Egypt’s President al-Sisi proposed a two-day Gaza truce to swap four Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners.
He suggested discussions should resume within 10 days after the ceasefire to pursue a more permanent agreement.
A senior Hamas official told the BBC that their ceasefire demands, long rejected by Israel, remain unchanged. Sami Abu Zuhri stated that Hamas still demands a total ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a prisoner swap.
The politician said, “The agreement is worthless without these guaranteed conditions.”