Iran vows escalated military response as Israel intensifies strikes

Iran has warned it will continue and intensify military operations if Israeli hostilities persist, calling on Islamic nations to unite against what it describes as Israel’s “hostile plots.”

Iranian response to Israeli strikes

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced today that it had targeted military fuel infrastructure in Israel, marking a direct retaliation for Israeli strikes on June 13. These strikes, which included attacks on residential buildings in and around Tehran, reportedly killed several Iranian military officials.

In response, Tehran launched a series of drone and missile strikes, including one that hit the central Israeli city of Bat Yam, killing six people and injuring over 100, according to reports from The Times of Israel.

Arrest of Mossad operatives

Iran also revealed the arrest of two alleged Mossad agents in Savojbolagh county. Authorities accused the operatives of manufacturing bombs, booby traps, and other explosive materials, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Calls for unity among Islamic nations

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Islamic countries to stand in solidarity against Israel. During a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday, Pezeshkian criticized Israel for disregarding human rights and international law. He emphasized that cooperation among Islamic nations is vital to counter what he described as Israel’s aggressive agenda.

Israel’s stance

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described Iran’s recent actions as a direct threat, stating, “We have dealt with Iran’s proxies over the past year and a half, but now we are dealing with the head of the snake itself.” Katz added that Israel has developed “exceptional capabilities” to counter Tehran’s military operations, accusing Iran of aiming to fulfill its vision of destroying Israel.

International reactions

The escalating conflict has drawn mixed reactions from world leaders.

- China expressed support for Iran, affirming its right to defend its national sovereignty.

- Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s attacks, calling them violations of Iranian sovereignty and international law.

- The UK voiced concern over the rising violence and urged de-escalation.

- Germany, however, emphasized the dangers of Iran’s nuclear program, warning it poses threats to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and regional stability.

As tensions continue to rise, the conflict risks broader implications for the region, with both sides showing no sign of backing down.