Iran's Khamenei vows harsh response to Israeli strikes, calls attack a 'bitter and painful destiny'

Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning to Israel after a deadly airstrike on Iranian territory early Friday.

The attack, conducted by the Israeli military, reportedly claimed the lives of senior Iranian military figures as well as civilians.

 In a televised message broadcast by Iranian state media, Khamenei condemned the Israeli action as a “criminal act” and accused Tel Aviv of again revealing its “evil nature” by striking residential areas in Tehran.

“The Zionist regime committed a great crime by attacking our civilians and commanders. This act has further exposed the wickedness of the regime before the world,” he stated. “Israel must be prepared for a painful and severe punishment.”

According to Iranian Armed Forces officials, Israeli missiles struck multiple locations in the capital, including homes of high-ranking officials.

Although a complete list of casualties has not yet been released, reports in Iranian media claim that among those killed were top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, including General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief.

Khamenei assured the Iranian people that the nation would respond with force, stating, “This cowardly aggression will not go unanswered. The Zionist regime and its allies should await a crushing response. This is a promise.”

The Israeli military has defended the strikes, describing them as “preemptive and precise,” and claiming their objective was to neutralize Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and long-range missile systems.

However, Iranian authorities dispute this, arguing that the attacks were aimed at both military and civilian infrastructure, with significant damage reported across Tehran.

Spokesperson for Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi labeled the airstrikes as “savage” and accused the United States (US) of supporting the assault. He added that the enemy would “pay a heavy price.”