Iran Threatens ‘Fierce And Severe’ Response If Israel Launches ‘Tinest Invasion’ In Response To Weekend Attack

Topline

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday warned that any military incursion by Israel would be met with a severe response, further raising concerns of escalation as Israel mulls a response to Tehran’s drone and missile attack over the weekend.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi attends a military parade alongside high-ranking officials and commanders during a ceremony marking the country’s annual army day in Tehran. AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

Speaking at the Iranian military’s annual parade, Raisi said the weekend’s drone and missile attacks on Israeli territory—which caused minor damage—were “limited” and “punitive.”

Raisi then warned of a more “fierce and severe response” if Israel carried out even the “tiniest invasion on our land.”

In his speech, Raisi also attacked Arab nations that normalized relations with Israel in recent years, saying: “These countries are now humiliated in front of their own people.”

The annual parade took place in a military barracks on the outskirts of Tehran instead of its usual location on a highway south of the national capital, the Associated Press reported.

Unlike previous years, the event was not broadcast live and authorities did not say if these changes were the result of ongoing regional tensions.

What To Watch For

Israeli authorities are reportedly still debating how they should respond to Iran’s recent attack, as the U.S. and other Western powers urged them to act with restraint to prevent an escalation. After a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told reporters in Jerusalem: “It’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act…We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible.” Israeli officials have also made it clear that a response was necessary, with IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari saying: “We cannot stand still from this kind of aggression,” and allow Iran to get away “scott-free.”

Tangent

On Tuesday night the White House announced plans to introduce new sanctions against Iran, including those that target its drone and missile development programs after the weekend’s attack. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said other allied countries and partners are likely to impose similar sanctions against Tehran. In Jerusalem, Cameron told reports he also wanted the G7 group of nations to undertake coordinated sanctions against Iran, adding: “They need to be given a clear unequivocal message by the G7.” Sullivan also said the White House was working with the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command to shore up its air and missile defense capabilities and early warning systems in the Middle East. On Sunday, the White House said it informed Israel it would not join any offensive military action against Iran.

Key Background

On Saturday night and early Sunday, Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory in an unprecedented attack. The attacks were a response to the deaths of 16 people, including two senior military leaders, in an Israeli airstrike earlier this month on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said of the strike: “Israel is working to make it clear to everyone who acts against us, all over the Middle East, that the price for acting against Israel will be a heavy price.” While Iran and Israel have engaged in proxy conflicts in the Middle East, the weekend drone attack was the first time either country had launched a major attack on the other’s territory. The attack, however, resulted in only minor damage as Israel, the U.S. and other allies in the region claimed they were able to shoot down 99% of the missiles and drones.

Further Reading

Iran president warns of ‘massive’ response if Israel launches ‘tiniest invasion’ (Associated Press)

How Will Israel Respond To Iran’s Weekend Attack? Here’s What We Know. (Forbes)