Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns of “Crushing Response” Against Israel, U.S. Actions
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, threatening a “crushing response” to recent actions against Iran and its regional allies. State media reported his remarks, delivered on Saturday, just ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran, which marked a turning point in Iran-U.S. relations.
Khamenei’s Warning to “Enemies”
In his address to students, Khamenei, 85, emphasized that both Israel and the United States would face consequences for their recent moves against Iran and the broader “resistance front.” This term refers to Iran-aligned armed groups, such as Yemen’s Houthis, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Hamas. “The Zionist regime or the United States will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran,” Khamenei said, suggesting a strong stance without providing details on timing or the scale of any potential retaliation.
This announcement follows Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian military bases, reportedly hitting around 20 sites in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran. Israel claims these strikes were in response to attacks by “Iran and its proxies.”
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Rising Tensions and Risk of Escalation
Israel’s airstrikes on October 26 were reportedly in retaliation for a large-scale Iranian ballistic missile attack on October 1. The Iranian attack, which included around 200 missiles, came after Israeli operations in recent months led to the deaths of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran’s own military. Iran, while maintaining it does not seek war, has pledged to respond to these assaults.
“If Iran launches another missile barrage, we will strike very, very hard,” Israel’s military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi warned, indicating specific targets are prepared should further escalation occur. Both sides’ ongoing strikes have increased concerns about a broader regional conflict, especially with the U.S. presidential election just days away.
Growing U.S. Military Presence in the Region
The U.S. has also expanded its military assets in the Middle East to deter further aggression. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently ordered additional support, including ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and B-52 long-range bombers, according to Pentagon spokesman Major-General Pat Ryder. Some U.S. troops are now stationed in Israel, manning the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as tensions simmer.
Anniversary of 1979 Embassy Takeover
Khamenei’s address to university students also coincided with Iran’s annual commemoration of Students’ Day, marking the November 4, 1978, incident when soldiers fired on student protesters at Tehran University. The crowd, showing enthusiasm for Khamenei, chanted, “The blood in our veins is a gift to our leader,” highlighting strong support among some groups for Iran’s anti-U.S. and anti-Israel stance.
Regional Stability at Stake
With regional stability already at risk due to Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, any further actions by Iran or Israel could provoke widespread conflict. As both sides stand firm, tensions in the Middle East remain on high alert, with the U.S. monitoring closely and preparing for potential involvement.
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