Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has declared that the recent missile strike on Israel was a defensive measure aimed at protecting Iran’s national interests and its citizens.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pezeshkian emphasized that Tuesday’s operation demonstrated just a fraction of Iran’s military capabilities.
“This action was in defense of Iran’s interests and citizens, making it clear to [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu that while Iran does not seek conflict, it will stand resolutely against any threat,” Pezeshkian wrote. “Do not provoke a confrontation with Iran.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also issued a warning in Hebrew on X, cautioning that further attacks on Israel would intensify.
“With God’s assistance, the strikes from the resistance front will grow stronger and more painful against the deteriorating Zionist regime,” Khamenei said.
The missile barrage followed Israel’s ground incursion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. Israel’s military operation came in response to the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last Friday, significantly impacting the group’s leadership.
