Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Responds to Israeli Strikes with Measured Tone
In the wake of Israeli strikes on Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has given a measured response, urging against exaggeration or downplaying of the attack. The strikes, which resulted in the death of at least four soldiers, prompted President Masoud Pezeshkian to vow an appropriate response while emphasizing that Iran does not seek war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the strikes had severely damaged Iran’s defense capability and missile production systems, stating that the attack had achieved its goals. However, official Iranian sources downplayed the impact of the attack, stating that most missiles were intercepted and the damage caused was limited.
Khamenei’s response, which deviated from his usual fiery rhetoric, emphasized the need for authorities to determine the appropriate course of action in response to the Israeli aggression. This shift in tone could be seen as an attempt to avoid appearing weak or to deflect blame in case of a backfiring retaliation.
Meanwhile, fighting continued between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza resulted in multiple casualties, including the deaths of Palestinian journalists in Gaza.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza, involving an exchange of hostages and prisoners. However, Hamas officials reiterated their demands for a complete ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a prisoner swap deal.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as the broader conflict in the region, have raised concerns among Western countries about the potential for all-out regional war. As both sides weigh their next moves, the international community is closely monitoring the situation for any signs of further escalation.
