Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a “tooth-breaking” response to Israel’s ongoing military actions, amid a significant escalation that includes an Israeli commando raid in Lebanon. This statement comes just days before the U.S. presidential election, with Washington being Israel’s primary military ally.
“The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should understand that they will face a severe backlash,” Khamenei stated, referring to Iran-aligned groups throughout the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.
Compounding these rising tensions, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, hinted at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, indicating that the country might reconsider its nuclear policy if it perceives an existential threat. “If an existential threat emerges, Iran will adapt its nuclear doctrine. We have the ability to develop weapons and are fully prepared in that regard,” Kharrazi told Lebanese media.
The recent clashes were sparked by an Iranian missile strike on October 1, which prompted Israel to launch a bombing campaign on October 26 aimed at Iranian military installations, resulting in the reported deaths of four Iranian soldiers. Israel asserts that its airstrikes caused substantial damage to Iran’s missile and air defense systems, while Iran has vowed to respond in kind.
