Iran FM Warns Of Harsh Response If Israel Retaliates To Onslaught

Iran's foreign minister warned on Monday of a harsh response if Israel decides to retaliate to Saturday night's onslaught of over 350 projectiles, telling his German counterpart that "the response will be immediate and all-encompassing".

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke to Annalena Baerbock by phone on Monday and said, "The Islamic Republic aims to warn Israel of the consequences of crossing red lines".

His comments came after over 350 Iranian missiles and drones were launched towards Israel in the early hours of Sunday, 99 percent of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies, the US, UK, France and Jordan. It came after its consular facility was shelled in Syria earlier this month, killing seven Revolutionary Guards, including two senior officers.

Amidst the fears of a wider conflict, Abbas Golrook, a member of the National Security Commission of the Parliament, said, "I doubt that Israel will strike our civilian sites, not even our military ones." He noted, "Neither Iran, the region, nor the Americans have an inclination towards a widespread war," aware of the global repercussions. Amidst an economic crisis, a war for Iran would also be devastating, the country witnessing the worst recession since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

Ahmad Alamolhoda, a firebrand cleric and Khamenei's representative in Khorasan Razavi province, echoed a long-standing threat issued by Iran's supreme leader. "Obviously, if any foolishness comes from Israel, Khamenei's promise to flatten Tel Aviv and Haifa will be realized," Alamolhoda declared. His statement referenced a 2013 warning from Khamenei, where he cautioned that any minor mistake by Israel could lead to devastating retaliation from Iran.

Follow developments on Iran International's Live coverage of ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.