Recent tensions in the Middle East have escalated, with Iran threatening to use its never-before-used weaponry against Israel. This comes in the wake of Russia’s increasing military support to Iran.
Abolfazl Amouei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, announced Iran’s readiness to retaliate against any form of Israeli aggression. Amouei declared, “We are ready to use weapons that we have not used before,” the official told Al-Mayadeen News, according to the Economic Times.
The Washington Post reports Reports suggest that Iran is procuring a formidable arsenal from Russia, including anti-aircraft launchers and advanced fighter jets. This development has alarmed the international community, particularly given Iran’s vow to use these weapons in a “severe, extensive and painful response” to any provocations from Israel.
Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that the Jewish state would face a “severe, extensive and painful response” even for the “slightest action” against Iran. He attributed the tensions in the region to certain Western countries’ blind support for Israel, according to the Daily Express.
The Iranian President’s accusations raise questions about Western countries’ roles in the ongoing conflict. Critics argue that these countries’ unequivocal support for Israel is exacerbating tensions in the region.
The international community has long expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to recent reports, Iran has multiple nuclear research sites, uranium mines, a research reactor, and three uranium enrichment plants. More alarmingly, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Tehran’s uranium stockpile is more than 20 times the limit agreed under the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal.
In addition to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the country’s military cooperation with Russia has raised eyebrows. Not only is Russia supplying Iran with advanced weaponry, but it is also providing technical support for its spy satellites. This collaboration could potentially rebuild Iran’s Air Force and increase its rocket-building capabilities.
Iran’s threats, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant communicated to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel had “no choice” but to retaliate against Iran. This statement came after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones into Israeli airspace, according to an Axios correspondent Barak Ravid.
Despite the escalating tensions, the United Nations has urged both Israel and Iran to avoid retaliatory actions. However, given the current climate, it remains uncertain whether this call for restraint will be heeded.
Iran’s recent aerial assault was reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, which resulted in the death of a top Iranian general. Israeli media reports suggest that the target of the strike was a key planner of an attack on southern Israel that claimed over 1,100 lives and instigated the war in Gaza.
