Tehran intends to “utilize all available means” to respond to Israel’s recent strike on military targets in Iran, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday.
Earlier, Iran downplayed the impact of Israel’s airstrike on Saturday, claiming it inflicted only minor damage. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden urged for a de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the Middle East.
During a weekly news conference, Baghaei stated, “Iran will use all available tools to provide a definitive and effective response to the Zionist regime (Israel).” He did not specify the nature of Iran’s retaliation, indicating it would depend on the specifics of the Israeli attack.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized on Sunday that officials should figure out how to show Iran’s strength to Israel, insisting that the Israeli attack should not be underestimated or overstated.
Israeli military sources reported that multiple waves of airstrikes targeted missile production facilities and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran early Saturday. The ongoing rivalry has escalated recently, with the Israeli strike occurring after an Iranian missile attack on October 1, much of which had been intercepted by Israeli air defenses.
In addition, Hezbollah is actively engaged in intense conflict with Israeli forces in Lebanon, while Hamas is in combat against Israel in the Gaza Strip.
