- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 14 Jun 2025 08:01 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning to Israel on Saturday through a series of tweets, declaring that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to retaliate after what he described as a “grave error” by the Zionist regime. His comments follow a heated exchange of airstrikes and missiles between Israel and Iran, one of the most volatile military escalations between the two rivals in years. Iran has launched "Operation True Promise 3" in response to Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and the killings of Iran's top military leaders.
In a series of tweets on X (previously Twitter), Khamenei blamed Israel for irresponsible aggression and promised that it would not be left unaccountable. "The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, and committed a reckless act. By God's grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin. The Iranian nation won't permit the blood of its valued martyrs to go unavenged, nor will it ignore the violation of its airspace. Our Armed Forces are ready, and the country's officials and all the people are behind the Armed Forces."
In a second tweet, he stated, "Today, we must give a strong response to the evil, despicable, terrorist Zionist identity. God willing, we will respond with strength and will show no mercy to them. Life will become bitter for the Zionists. The Zionist regime will not escape safely from the heinous crime they've committed." Further intensifying his warning, Khamenei said, "This is a certainty that the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces will deal heavy blows to this evil Zionist enemy. The Iranian people are with us. They support the Armed Forces, and the Islamic Republic will triumph over the Zionist regime, by the will of God. Let the dear Iranian nation know this, be certain and assured that every effort will be made in this regard."He concluded with a strong message in a video statement and said, “The Zionist regime will not escape safely from the heinous crime they’ve committed.”
What sparked New Wave Of Attacks
Khamenei’s strong remarks follow one of the most intense nights of hostilities between the two rivals. On Friday, Israel launched massive airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting key military and nuclear sites. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they successfully hit targets associated with Iran's nuclear and military command, particularly its Natanz underground enrichment facility, as well as other military installations. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi subsequently confirmed the sabotage of the above-ground pilot enrichment facility at Natanz.
As a counterattack, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they carried out attacks against dozens of targets in Israel in retaliation for the latter's biggest attacks ever against Iran. Air raid sirens blared early in the morning as Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow missile systems intercepted the bulk of the incoming missiles. Even with these defenses, several missiles hit residential areas. In Tel Aviv, a skyscraper was hit, causing extensive damage to its lower floors. An apartment complex in Ramat Gan was reportedly destroyed. Israel's rescue services reported that at least 34 people were injured, but police later confirmed one fatality. Iranian state media reported that its missiles struck strategic targets in Israel, saying the attacks were a direct reply to the killing of senior military officials and nuclear scientists who were targeted in Israeli attacks. Iran's UN envoy later added that 78 individuals were killed in the Israeli attacks and more than 320 others were injured.
US has urged de-escalation but reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Meanwhile, regional and global powers have called for immediate restraint to avoid a wider Middle East conflict. President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Tehran to halt the bombing campaign by reaching a deal on its nuclear programme. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported explosions on the northern and southern outskirts of Tehran and at Fordow, near the holy city of Qom, a second nuclear site which had been spared in the first wave of attacks.