Khamenei vows 'crushing response' against US and Israel

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to preparing for confrontation with the United States and Israel through military and political measures.

“We are fully committed to preparing the Iranian nation in every necessary way to confront arrogance,” Khamenei said on Saturday, referring to the US and Israel. “Whether in terms of military readiness, weaponry, or political efforts, thank God, officials are actively engaged in these efforts.”

Iranian government-controlled media carried a uniform news item with the headline, "The United States and the Zionist regime will certainly receive a crushing response."

Since 1979, Iran's Islamic government has used the term "global arrogance" to describe the United States, conveying a meaning similar to imperialism.

Khamenei’s comments came during a speech to students on the anniversary of the 1979 attack on the US embassy in Tehran, a date remembered for the seizing of US diplomats and citizens and holding them hostage for 444 days.

Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military targets on October 26 in response to missile attacks from Iran on October 1. Israeli airstrikes targeted missile facilities and air defense systems, resulting in the deaths of at least four Iranian soldiers and one civilian. Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against Israel in the next few days.

“This is not merely about revenge; it is a logical movement, a confrontation aligned with religion, ethics, Sharia, and international laws. The Iranian people and the country’s officials will not show any hesitation or leniency in this regard. Be assured of this,” added Khamenei.

His words were echoed by former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and Khamanei’s advisor, who, in a recent interview, suggested that Iran’s military doctrine could shift if faced with an existential threat.

Kharrazi, now head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, said, “We already have the technical capabilities to produce weapons; only a religious decree forbidding nuclear weapons prevents us from doing so,” referring to a ruling by Khamenei against nuclear arms.

IRGC Spokesperson Mohammad Naeini also on Saturday threatened that a firm response will be delivered to Israel’s attack.

"A decisive and firm response will be given to the new act of aggression by the enemy," he said.

"Israel's miscalculation is thinking that Iran fears direct confrontation and will leave military attacks unanswered," he added.

Israel's October 26 air strikes inflicted significant damage on Iran's air defenses and missile production facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, quoting American and Israeli officials. This has left the country vulnerable should it decide to launch a retaliatory attack against Israel in the coming days.

This time, Israel can operate with impunity, sending aircraft deeper into Iranian airspace and targeting nuclear facilities, additional military sites, or economic assets. An expert told the Wall Street Journal that Iran’s focus now is more on defending itself than on retaliating against Israel.