Iran vows decisive response after Israeli military strikes
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Tehran "will use all available means" to respond to Saturday's shelling by Israel. The response will be "effective and definitive," stated Esmail Baghei during a press conference.
Reuters noted that previous statements by Iranian leaders were more cautious. Iran's Supreme Spiritual and Political Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that the Israeli attack should not be "not be exaggerated nor underestimated" but refrained from announcing an immediate retaliation, the BBC portal noted.
Meanwhile, President Masud Pezeszkian said Iran "will respond appropriately," adding that Tehran does not seek war.
Israel strikes Iran
On Saturday, Israel responded to Iranian attacks, which included the shelling of about 200 ballistic missiles, by striking military facilities in several regions of Iran.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff General Herzi Halevi assessed on Sunday that "only a portion of the capabilities. We can do much more," said Halevi during a meeting where high-ranking officers evaluated the attack's results.
As reported by the Times of Israel portal, Halevi stated that Israel "hit strategic arrays in Iran. This is of very high importance. And we’ll see how things evolve now. We’re ready for all scenarios on all fronts."
Israel indicated that it does not want further escalation, and the attack on Iranian military targets was "a clear message."
