Iran warns of ‘more powerful’ response if Israel reacts further

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, has issued a strong warning, stating that a more intense military operation will be launched if Israel continues its “terrorism activities.”

In an interview with a local news outlet, Bagheri referred to a recent “heroic and brave operation” conducted in retaliation for the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniye, Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC Major General Abbas Nilfroushan, who was on a mission in Beirut.

He stressed that the situation had become unbearable, and the IRGC successfully targeted key Israeli military bases in a “valuable missile operation.” Bagheri noted that the Tuesday night operation, known as “Wadeh Sadeq 2″ or “True Promise 2,” targeted three Israeli military bases, including Mossad headquarters.

He declared that the Iranian military is fully prepared for both defensive and offensive actions. Should Israel continue its actions, future operations will be of greater intensity, with the goal of destroying all key infrastructure of the Zionist regime, Bagheri warned.

In parallel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the operation an act of self-defense, warning of a stronger response if Israel retaliates.

Araghchi cited Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify Iran’s actions, stating that the strikes were focused solely on Israeli military and security sites responsible for genocidal actions in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that Iran’s restraint had lasted for nearly two months in hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza, but if Israel continues, Iran’s response will be even more forceful. Araghchi also called on Israel’s allies to restrain Tel Aviv’s aggressive actions.