TEHRAN: A senior Revolutionary Guards general warned on Thursday to target Israel’s “nuclear facilities” if it strikes Iranian nuclear sites. The statement, reported by state media, underscores escalating tensions following Tehran’s unprecedented weekend attack and Israel’s vow of response.
Ahmad Haghtalab, head of nuclear protection and security for the Guards, affirmed Iran’s readiness to reciprocate any attack on its nuclear facilities. He emphasized that should Israel take action against Iranian nuclear centers, it would face a swift and decisive response.
The warning from Iran comes in the wake of an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals. While Israel has not disclosed details of its planned retaliation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense in the aftermath of Iran’s attack using drones and missiles.
The Iranian General’s statement signals Iran’s preparedness to defend its nuclear infrastructure and escalate the conflict if necessary. He asserted that Iran has identified Israeli nuclear sites and possesses the necessary information to target them effectively.
Despite Iran’s insistence on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, tensions have intensified amid allegations of sabotage attacks on Iranian facilities and assassinations of nuclear scientists, which Tehran attributes to Israel.
Meanwhile, Amirali Hajizadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace unit responsible for the attack on Israel, clarified that Iran utilized only “old weapons and minimal power” during the assault. He emphasized that Iran had not deployed ballistic missiles and asserted that the country has surpassed the capabilities of Israel and its allies.
