Beirut: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a forceful retaliation against ongoing Israeli military operations, labeling it a "tooth-breaking" response. This declaration comes in the wake of heightened tensions following an Israeli commando raid in Lebanon and ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, where the U.S. remains a key ally of Israel.
Khamenei emphasized that both the U.S. and Israel should prepare for significant consequences, referencing Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.
Further escalating the situation, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, hinted at a potential shift in Iran's nuclear policy should an existential threat emerge. He stated, "If an existential threat arises, Iran will adjust its nuclear doctrine; we have the capability to develop weapons and are prepared to do so."
The latest confrontations began with an Iranian missile strike on October 1, to which Israel responded on October 26 with airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers. Israel claims significant damage was inflicted on Iran's missile and air defense systems, while Iran has pledged retaliation.
In a separate incident, Israeli naval commandos captured a senior Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon, who was undergoing maritime training. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, prompting Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to condemn the raid and seek a United Nations complaint. Investigations by both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are underway.
As hostilities continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. The World Health Organization reported injuries from a missile strike on a polio vaccination center, which affected six individuals, including four children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the attack on the Sheikh Radwan health facility.
Israel's military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous militants in the Jabalia area, with civilian casualties rising. Gaza's health ministry cites over 43,000 fatalities since hostilities resumed, although these figures are disputed by Israeli sources.
On Israel's northern border, airstrikes have escalated, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths and widespread displacement, as Hezbollah retaliates with rocket fire into Israeli territory, targeting military installations near Haifa and Tel Aviv. In response, the U.S. has deployed B-52 bombers to the region to deter further Iranian aggression, with officials warning Iran that the U.S. may not be able to restrain Israel if further attacks occur.