Tehran, 02 November 2024: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Saturday that both Israel and the United States could face “a crushing response” for their attacks on Iran and its allies.
This statement comes in the wake of heightened tensions following an Israeli strike on October 26 that targeted military bases within Iran, resulting in at least five fatalities.
Khamenei’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among Iranian officials regarding potential retaliation against Israel, as they threaten further action.
“The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front,” he stated in a video released by Iranian state media.
The prospect of increased military confrontation raises concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the already volatile Middle East, which is grappling with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon. Any new escalation comes just days before the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday.
While Khamenei’s rhetoric signals a readiness for confrontation, he has previously taken a more measured stance. In earlier remarks, he noted the need for careful consideration regarding Iran’s response, stating that Israel’s actions “should not be exaggerated nor downplayed.”
However, he did not specify when or how any retaliation might occur, leaving the situation fraught with uncertainty.
