Supreme Leader of Iran, Khamenei to Israel: “You started a war – from today, the world will…”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation for Israeli attacks in a recorded message to the nation, delivered as Iranian missiles were reportedly heading toward Israel.

Khamenei declared that the Iranian military was fully prepared to strike back:

“Do not think they hit us and it’s over. No. They started this and they started a war. We will not let them get away safely with this major crime,” he said.

On Friday, Israel launched a wave of intense attacks targeting the heart of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Using fighter jets and drones, Israeli forces struck key facilities, aiming to eliminate top Iranian generals and scientists.

Tehran responded swiftly. Iran immediately deployed drones toward Israel, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Ayatollah Khamenei warned of a “harsh punishment” for Israel, further heightening the risk of a broader conflict.

Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Doron, stated that the decision to strike Iran in the early morning hours was not taken lightly. In a press conference, Doron emphasized that the attack came as a direct response to Iran’s repeated hostile actions.

“The decision to act last night was not made lightly. It followed repeated violations by the Iranian regime, ongoing deception, and the absence of meaningful international consequences,” Doron told reporters.

He added that Israel had obtained “clear evidence” that Iran was planning a surprise attack on the country, and that last night’s operation was a preemptive measure. “Israel cannot and will not wait for that moment to arrive,” Doron said firmly.

Addressing the Iranian people directly, Doron made it clear that the strikes were not aimed at civilians but strictly at military targets and leadership considered a threat. “Let me say this clearly to the people of Iran: We have nothing against you. We know you are suffering. We’ve seen the conditions you live in… This war is not against the Iranian people,” he said.

According to Doron, the operation was timed to occur when civilians were least likely to be in the streets, in an effort to minimize casualties.

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