Iranian leaders have pledged a forceful retaliation after Iran was struck in coordinated attacks by Israel Defense Forces and the United States, raising the spectre of a wider regional conflict.
Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran is preparing to hit back against the strikes with a response they described as “crushing,” signalling serious escalation after explosions were reported in the capital Tehran and other cities.
On Saturday, Israel announced it had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, saying the operation was intended to neutralise threats posed by Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. The strikes reportedly involved coordination with US forces and hit multiple targets across Iranian territory. Sirens sounded in Israel as concerns grew of possible Iranian retaliation.
Explosions were widely reported in Tehran, with Iranian media confirming military activity. The operation has shattered recent diplomatic efforts aimed at renewing talks between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear dispute.
Responding to the attacks, Iranian authorities have pledged a powerful response. An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran’s response will be “crushing,” underscoring the severity of the situation and the regime’s readiness to strike back at perceived aggression.
Pro-government voices in Iran have warned that the country will defend itself against the strikes and that Tehran’s retaliation could target strategic installations not only within Iran but potentially against US and Israeli military assets in the region.
The threat of retaliation comes as Israel and the United States pursue a hard line against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, insisting that limits on enrichment and missile capabilities be part of any diplomatic deal. Tehran, while open to discussing nuclear restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief, has rejected tying missile development to nuclear negotiations.
