Following the latest missile attack against Israel, Iran has raised its rhetoric, warning of painful counterattacks if the conflict escalates.
In a televised speech on October 1, Commander Hossein Salami declared that Iran is prepared to strike back if Israel takes any military action in response to the attack. He emphasized that Iran could breach Israel's defenses and deliver "painful" retaliation.
This warning comes as Israel increases its strikes against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Lebanon, pushing tensions in the region even higher.
Salami made it clear that Iran’s military is prepared to retaliate quickly if Israel takes further action.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
While military threats are exchanged, efforts are also being made to calm the situation.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, trying to find ways to stop the fighting from spreading.
At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been meeting with officials in Egypt as part of a diplomatic tour. The European Union has also urged dialogue to avoid further escalation during its first summit with Gulf states.
“We underline the need for diplomatic engagement to avoid further escalation,” the EU and Gulf nations said in a joint statement, as cited by Reuters.
Increased Fighting and Worsening Crisis
Israel has ramped up airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with some of the heaviest attacks seen in recent weeks.
One strike killed 16 people, including a city mayor, in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attack, accusing Israel of targeting government buildings.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon is worsening. EU Crisis Commissioner Janez Lenarcic criticized Israel's response as "brutal," calling the crisis "catastrophic." Aid workers, especially in Gaza, are struggling to help those in need.
In Yemen, U.S. forces have also carried out strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been targeting ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestine. These U.S. strikes are part of a larger effort to counter threats from Iranian-backed groups in the region.
