Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a chilling warning in response to Israel’s massive airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, calling the attack a direct “declaration of war” and vowing that Israel “will deeply regret this act of aggression.”
Khamenei’s remarks came hours after Israel’s Operation Rising Lion delivered a crippling blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and eliminated multiple high-ranking military officials. Among the casualties were top commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and senior scientists linked to Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
Speaking before Iran’s Assembly of Experts, Khamenei didn’t mince words.
“This was not a surgical strike. This was an act of war. It will not go unanswered.”
In his address, he signaled Iran would not limit its response to formal channels, warning that retaliation could come through direct military strikes, asymmetric warfare, and proxy forces already embedded across the region.
Iran’s Countermeasures Begin
Iran has already launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory, prompting Israel to activate full-scale air defense systems. Though most were intercepted, some drones reportedly reached targets near northern Israeli cities. Tehran also imposed a nationwide internet blackout, restricting access to social media and foreign press.
Meanwhile, Iran’s proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have been placed on high alert, raising fears of a wider, multi-front conflict.
Global Shockwaves
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Oil prices spiked dramatically amid fears of supply chain disruption across the Persian Gulf.
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Gold and defense stocks surged as global markets reacted to the possibility of prolonged instability.
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The United Nations has called for an emergency session, but neither Israel nor Iran has indicated any willingness to deescalate.
The Road Ahead
Khamenei’s speech marks a critical turning point. What began as years of covert sabotage and targeted assassinations has now exploded into open military confrontation. With Iran promising vengeance and Israel preparing for continued hostilities, the Middle East may be on the brink of its most dangerous conflict in decades.
And according to Tehran’s highest authority, this fight is far from over.