In a bold statement that adds spice to the already heated Middle East situation, Reza Zabib, Iran’s ambassador in Spain, has declared that Iran is ready to retaliate if Israel continues its aggressive tactics. «If Netanyahu’s far-right government dares to attack Iran’s territorial integrity or vital interests in the region, they’ll be met with a response that’s not just quick, but fiercer than what they’ve seen so far,» he asserted Wednesday.
Zabib’s words come in the wake of Iran’s dramatic missile barrage on Israel, firing nearly 200 rockets in retaliation for Israel’s recent military operations, which have included the assassination of Hamas leaders in Tehran and attacks on Iranian officials abroad. «During the past two months, since Israel took out Ismail Haniyeh, we’ve shown maximum restraint as requested by the U.S. and other allies of the Zionist regime. But it’s time for Israel’s friends to ask for restraint from them too—if they care about peace,» he added, throwing shade at the U.S. and its allies for failing to deliver on their promises of restraint in exchange for a ceasefire.
Highlighting a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, Zabib pointed out that this missile strike marks Iran’s second military operation against Israel since the Gaza offensive began. The first came back in April when Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles after an Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria. “That April action was just a warning shot,” Zabib reminded. “We clearly stated that our next move would come without any prior notice, and here we are now.”
He warned the U.S. and Israel’s allies that any third-party involvement in this escalating conflict will be met with “serious consequences.” “We targeted military objectives, and I’m proud to say that about 90% of our missiles hit their mark,” he declared. Although Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepted many of the missiles, reports indicate that there were no casualties on their side. “Good for them. We’re satisfied,” said Zabib, hinting at Iran’s strategic intent behind the missile strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei placed the blame for regional tensions squarely on the shoulders of the U.S. and its European allies, saying, “The root of the region’s problems lies in the presence of these actors who falsely claim to be seeking peace. Once they are gone, I have no doubt the wars will cease completely.”
However, Khamenei remained tight-lipped about the recent missile attack on Israel while expressing condolences for the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, during a recent bombing in Beirut. “We are in mourning these days. Losing someone like Nasrallah is no small matter,” he remarked, promising to discuss the situation in Lebanon in more detail soon.