Iran is ready to respond to any "aggression" from Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, which cited sources warning that Israel would "undoubtedly face a proportional reaction for any action it takes."
The statement follows an early Saturday wave of Israeli strikes on Iranian military installations, targeting ballistic missile sites, weapons depots and air defense systems. Reports suggest the operation, launched in multiple waves, could extend for several hours.
The escalation follows Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1. According to a New York Times report last Thursday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei instructed the military to prepare for potential war with Israel but noted Iran might refrain from responding if Israeli strikes remain limited in scope.
Israeli strike on Iran
Israel reportedly coordinated its targeting efforts with the United States, which urged Israel to avoid attacks on Iranian nuclear or oil production facilities to prevent regional escalation.
Two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps told the Times that any substantial Israeli attack could trigger Iran to retaliate with up to 1,000 ballistic missiles, bolster proxy strikes across the region and potentially disrupt global energy supplies by targeting maritime routes in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
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