Middle East
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses world leaders during the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2024. File photo: AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country does not want a war with Israel after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles at its arch-enemy on Tuesday night. Israel has vowed to retaliate.
“Based on legitimate rights, and with the aim of peace and security for Iran and the region, a decisive response was given to the aggressions of the Zionist regime. This action was in defense of the interests and citizens of Iran,” Pezeshkian said in a post on X hours after the attack.
He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “should know that Iran is not war-seeking but stands firmly against any threat. This is only a glimpse of our capabilities. Do not engage in conflict with Iran.”
“Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it,” Netanyahu warned in a video message.
Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for Israel’s defense forces, called Iran’s actions “a severe and dangerous escalation.”
“There will be consequences…” he said. “We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”
He said that he was not aware of any casualties from the missile attack.
The Iranian foreign ministry said Tehran only targeted Israeli military and security facilities “unlike the Zionist regime.”
US President Joe Biden ordered the Pentagon to "aid Israel's defense" and the US military to “shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel,” a White House official told reporters.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the missile attack was in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and an IRGC commander - all blamed on Israel. Israel has only confirmed its involvement in the assassination of Nasrallah.
In April, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for an attack on Tehran’s embassy in Damascus that killed two Iranian generals and other officers. Iran blames Israel for the attack.
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