Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Israel, declaring that the country “will be punished for its mistake.” The remarks, delivered during a live broadcast and reported by Mehr News Agency, mark one of Tehran’s clearest signals of retaliation yet following recent Israeli strikes on Iranian-linked targets.
Though Khamenei did not elaborate on the specific “mistake” he referenced, his message was unambiguous: “The Zionist regime must know that the era of hit-and-run is over. They will be punished for the crime they have committed.”
The warning comes just hours after the Iranian leader cautioned the United States against military interference, asserting that Iran will not submit to “imposed peace or war.” As regional hostility intensifies, Khamenei’s words underscore a hardening of Iran’s stance and are expected to further fuel international concerns over a broader conflict.
Iran launched two waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli targets. This came in retaliation for Israel’s surprise strike on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 13 under Operation Rising Lion, a move that coincided with Tehran’s negotiations with Washington on its nuclear program.
Rising Death Toll And Retaliation Plans
The attacks have already resulted in significant casualties. In Iran, hundreds have reportedly died over the past few days due to Israel’s bombardments, while several of Tehran’s missile strikes managed to breach Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, killing at least 24 people.
In a chilling development, Israel has issued evacuation warnings to Iranian civilians living in southwest Tehran, indicating that strikes on military installations in the region are imminent. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations, insisting that Israel will act with full force to defend itself.
US Involvement Heightens Tensions
Amid growing fears of regional instability, the United States has begun repositioning military assets in the region. According to Aurora Intel, American air force refueling tankers and C-17 aircraft have been moved to bases in Prestwick, Scotland, and Aviano, Italy. Additionally, a dozen F-16s have been transferred to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia as a show of support for Israel.
Trump’s rhetoric, paired with the rapid military repositioning, has further inflamed tensions. Iranian officials have issued stark warnings. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated in a live interview on Al Jazeera that any direct US involvement would trigger “an all-out war.”
Iranian officials continue to portray the country’s nuclear ambitions as peaceful and focused on civilian use. In Geneva, Iran’s ambassador Ali Bahreini reiterated Tehran’s right to defend itself, emphasising that any aggression from Israel or the US would be met with force.