Iran to respond to Israel’s actions — Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader further warned that “through this attack, the Zionist entity has brought upon itself a painful and bitter fate”

Iran will not leave Israel’s actions unanswered following a series of attacks on the republic, declared Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The Zionist entity committed a heinous crime by striking populated areas in Iran. This aggression resulted in the deaths of numerous leaders and scholars. However, their successors and colleagues have swiftly continued their responsibilities,” Khamenei was quoted as saying.

He further warned that “through this attack, the Zionist entity has brought upon itself a painful and bitter fate.”

“The might of the Iranian Armed Forces will not allow this entity’s actions to go unpunished,” Khamenei added.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the offensive as a “preemptive strike” and cautioned Israeli citizens about the likelihood of Iranian retaliation.

Donald Trump has expressed readiness to defend Israel in case of a retaliatory strike by Iran.

The Trump administration reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge that the strike was going to happen but that the US was not involved in the strikes and the goal is still to get Iran back to the negotiating table.

Unnamed US officials said that the US has in recent weeks increased its arsenal of missiles for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

Earlier, Israeli authorities announced strikes against Iran, including nuclear sites across the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear program and warned that the strikes would continue.