The Cradle, October 2, 2024 —Iranian officials and government bodies have reiterated Tehran’s threat that any response to its massive ballistic missile attack against Israel will be met with an even harsher response.
“The retaliatory missile attack that hit Israeli military targets in the occupied territories on 1 October was only a small portion of Iran’s defense capabilities,” the Iranian Defense Ministry said in a statement on 2 October.
“Any miscalculation by the criminal Zionist regime and its sponsors will definitely result in Iran employing equipment and weapons that will blow harsher and more painful blows to the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime in the next responses,” the Defense Ministry added.
The Speaker of the Iranian Shura Council, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, also issued a stern warning to Tel Aviv.
Iran’s forces have prepared for “all the crazy possibilities expected,” Qalibaf said.
“Our armed forces have devised a surprise plan for the enemies, and our next response will be on a completely different level. If the Zionist entity tries to attack Iran, it will quickly disappear and collapse,” Qalibaf added, warning Washington “to tighten the collar of its rabid dog [Israel] so that it does not harm itself and cause trouble for its owner.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also held phone calls with counterparts from the UK, France, Netherlands, and several other states on Tuesday night, warning them that “Iran’s operation against Israel is over, unless the Zionist regime plans retaliation, in which case Tehran’s response will be stronger,” according to Tasnim news agency.
Araqchi told his foreign counterparts that the Iranian attack was fully within its right to self-defense and in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The Iranian foreign minister warned the US that “the next response will be harsher” if Iran comes under attack.
He also denied reports that Tehran informed international parties of the attack ahead of time.
“We sent a message to the US via Switzerland after the missile operation, warning it against any third party’s interference,” he said. “Before the attack, there was no exchange of messages … We have… warned the US forces to withdraw from this matter and not to intervene … Any country that allows Israel to use its airspace against us will bear responsibility,” he added.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned after the attack, “Do not clash with Iran.”
Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel late on 1 October in a massive retaliatory attack.
Tehran says direct hits were achieved in multiple military bases. The Hatzarim, Nevatim, and Ramon bases have been put out of service due to severe damage from the missiles, according to Hezbollah sources who spoke with Al Mayadeen on Tuesday night.
Explosions due to countless impacts made across Israel were recorded in several videos on social media and live television.
The operation, dubbed “True Promise 2,” was announced as a response to the Israeli assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.
“We have made clear that there will be consequences – severe consequences – for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on 1 October.