Iran promises “tooth-breaking” response amid escalating tensions

Iran refuses to back down

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning of a “tooth-breaking” response to Israel’s military operations, signaling a dramatic escalation in tensions following a series of confrontations. This announcement comes amidst heightened military activity, including an Israeli commando raid in Lebanon, just days before the pivotal US presidential election, where Washington remains a key ally of Israel.

“The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response,” Khamenei declared, referencing Iran-aligned groups throughout the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and various factions in Yemen and Syria.

Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, also hinted at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, suggesting a potential shift in its nuclear policy if an existential threat emerges. “If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine. We have the capability to build weapons and have no issue in this regard,” Kharrazi told Lebanese media.

Tensions have been escalating since October 1, when Iran launched a missile strike, prompting Israel to conduct a bombing campaign on October 26 targeting Iranian military sites, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers. Israel claims that these airstrikes severely compromised Iran’s missile and air defense systems, while Iran has vowed to retaliate.

In a related operation, Israeli naval commandos apprehended a senior Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed the capture, stating, “The operative has been transferred to Israeli territory and is currently being investigated.” Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have condemned the raid, directing the foreign ministry to file a complaint with the United Nations.

As violence intensifies, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a missile strike on a polio vaccination center in northern Gaza injured six individuals, including four children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the attack, calling it “extremely concerning.”

In ongoing military operations, Israel claims to have killed dozens of militants in the Jabalia area, while Gaza’s health ministry reports over 43,000 deaths since hostilities resumed, a figure contested by Israeli sources.

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have escalated, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths and widespread displacement, as Hezbollah retaliates with rocket attacks into Israeli territory, targeting military sites near Haifa and Tel Aviv. In response to these escalating tensions, the US has deployed B-52 bombers to the region, aiming to deter further Iranian provocations.

A US official warned Iran that Washington may not be able to restrain Israel in the event of another Iranian strike. “We told the Iranians: We won’t be able to hold Israel back,” the official stated, underscoring the precarious nature of the current geopolitical landscape.

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