Iran conducted a series of strikes against Israel, dubbed “Operation True Promise,” as announced in a statement released on Saturday evening. The operation was launched in response to what Iran termed as “the Zionist regime’s numerous crimes,” including an attack on the consular section of Iran’s Embassy in Damascus and the deaths of Iranian military personnel in Syria. The statement, issued by the IRGC’s Aerospace Division, detailed the deployment of dozens of missiles and drones targeting specific locations within Israeli territory.
Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, issued a stern warning to any country enabling Israel’s potential attacks on Iran, stating that such actions would be met with a decisive response.
Tragically, the Israeli assault resulted in the deaths of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five accompanying officers. The incident sparked condemnation from senior Iranian political and military figures, who vowed to exact “definitive revenge.”
Addressing the nation after leading Eid al-Fitr prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei emphasized that Israel would face consequences for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, asserting that diplomatic missions are considered sovereign territory.
In a subsequent statement, the IRGC underscored that the retaliation followed a period of perceived inaction from international bodies, particularly the United Nations Security Council, in condemning Israeli aggression. The statement emphasized Iran’s utilization of strategic intelligence, missiles, and drones to effectively target and destroy “Zionist terrorist army” installations.
Furthermore, the statement cautioned the United States, Israel’s primary supporter, against actions detrimental to Iran’s interests, warning of regrettable consequences for any involvement in harming Iran. The U.S. was held accountable for the actions of Israel, and third-party nations were warned against facilitating attacks on Iran from their territories.