Iranian leader announces retaliation for the night attack on Tehran: “Israel will endure severe punishment”

In consequence to the night Israeli raids that hit military and atomic targets in Iran, the ultimate Leader of Ayatollah Ali Chamenei powerfully condemned Israel's actions, announcing that the country would "carry severe punishment". His comment, published by IRNA's authoritative Iranian information agency, is Tehran's strongest consequence to the escalation of tension in the mediate East.

Chamenei confirmed that high-ranking Iranian armed forces officers and scientists associated with the national atomic programme were killed in Israeli raids. According to Iranian sources, the attacks besides included residential centres, which Chamenei called "crime" and "the evidence of the criminal nature of the Zionist regime".

“Israel opened his filthy, bloody hand against our beloved country, hitting residential centers and revealing its malicious nature more than ever,” Chamenei said.

The ultimate Leader warned that Israel had "set to a bitter and painful fate" and that Iran's consequence would be "inevitable".

Reactions in Iran: anger, mobilisation, retaliation promises

In consequence to Chamenei's words, massive demonstrations of support for the authorities and the army began throughout Iran. On the streets of Tehran and another cities appeared banners with the slogans “Death to Israel” and “We Will Answer with Fire”. Iranian state media show scenes of collective prayers and people paying tribute to killed military and scientists.

Iran's defence Minister announced an "adequate and strategically balanced" consequence and the Revolutionary defender was put on full alert.

Revolutionary Guards in the spotlight

The muslim Revolutionary defender Corps (IRGC), an elite armed formation loyal straight to Chamenei, plays a key function in preparing for possible retaliation. IRGC controls not only strategical rocket systems, but besides forces associated with Iran outside the country — from Hezbollah, Lebanon, through Shiite militias in Iraq, to Huti in Yemen.

The defender Command announced that "all options are on the table" and that "the time and place of consequence will be chosen by Tehran". There were besides signs that any IRGC units had been moved towards the western borders of Iran.

Iran does not hide that it intends to show strength, but at the same time avoids an open announcement of war. Tehran’s message is clear: the blow has been struck and will not stay unanswered — the Revolutionary defender is to be the arm that will carry out this answer.