According to a high-level Iranian source cited by CNN, recent Israeli strikes on Iranian targets will be met with a “decisive and painful” response, likely before the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. This shift in tone suggests that Iran is moving away from its earlier attempts to downplay the significance of the Israeli attacks on October 25, which marked the first time Israel openly acknowledged striking Iranian targets.
The Iranian source stated that “the Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to the aggression of the Zionist entity will be decisive and painful.” Although no specific timeline was provided, the source hinted that retaliation is expected before the U.S. elections.
In response, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, speaking from Ramon Airbase, issued a warning: “If Iran fires missiles at Israel, we know how to reach Iran again with capabilities we have not used before.” This statement underscores the rising tension and the potential for further escalation between the two countries.
Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adopted a more moderate stance, advising that the recent Israeli strikes should “neither be exaggerated nor downplayed.” This measured response could indicate internal deliberations within Iran on the timing and nature of its anticipated retaliation.
