Iran’s Khamenei orders preparation for attack on Israel amid heightened tensions

Iran warned Thursday of a “harsh and regretful” response to Saturday’s deadly Israeli attack on Iranian military facilities, escalating tensions following a series of retaliatory strikes between the two nations.

Meanwhile, three Iranian officials familiar with the war planning revealed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, instructed the Supreme National Security Council on Monday to prepare for an attack on Israel, according to a report by New York Times.

The officials reportedly stated that Khamenei made this decision after reviewing a detailed report from senior military commanders regarding the damage inflicted on Iran’s missile production capabilities, air defense systems around Tehran, critical energy infrastructure, and a major port in the south.

Israeli warplanes targeted Iranian sites in retaliation for an October 1 missile barrage from Tehran. Iran had described its missile attack as a reprisal for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

Since the October 26 attacks, Israel has cautioned Iran against retaliation, while Tehran has vowed to respond, asserting it does not seek war.

Iranian officials warn of ‘harsh’ response to Israel’s attacks

“The recent action of the Zionist regime in attacking parts of our country was a desperate move, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will give it a harsh and regretful response,” said Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, a senior aide to Supreme Leader Khamenei, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

Golpayegani praised Iran’s air defense performance, claiming it successfully prevented Israeli fighters from entering Iranian territory and stated that the damage from the strikes was “minimal.”

A top commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps also signaled an intention to respond. “Iran’s response to the Zionist aggression is definite,” said Gen. Ali Fadavi, deputy commander of the Guards. “We have never left an aggression unanswered in 40 years. We are capable of destroying all that the Zionists possess with one operation.”

‘We will give you unimaginable response’

Additionally, Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated, “The Israelis think they can change history by launching a few rockets; You haven’t forgotten Ode Sadegh 2; You violated, but know that we will give an unimaginable response.”

After the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacks targeted Iran’s defense capabilities and missile production.

Iran’s armed forces reported that the attack killed four military personnel and caused “limited damage” to a few radar systems, with Iranian media also noting that a civilian was killed.

General Salami warned that Israel has “reached the stage of collapse” and accused it of acting blindly and committing crimes without regard for rules.