Iran’s Response to US Airstrikes
Iranian officials have declared their intention to retaliate against recent US airstrikes targeting their nuclear ambitions, vowing to launch a terrorist attack and expedite uranium enrichment.
A joint directive from the Iranian military’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that they would execute “strong and targeted operations” in the US, which they warned could lead to severe and unpredictable consequences.
Lt. Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Khatam Al-Anbiya, remarked on Monday that such attacks would not favor the US, indicating that their uranium enrichment efforts remain intact despite recent bombings of facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
Zolfaqari claimed that these airstrikes aimed to bolster the struggling Zionist regime but ultimately expanded the range of legitimate targets for Iran’s military response.
Major General Abdolrahim Musabi, Chief of Staff of Iran, emphasized that the US has essentially given Iranian military forces a free hand to act against American interests, asserting that Iran “never retreats.”
Iran’s Army Commander, Major General Amir Khatami, suggested that the US might face similar repercussions as it did in the 1980s, stating, “Every time they commit an offense, they receive a decisive response.” He further mentioned that a recent successful mission against Israel has put them on edge, forcing them into a public conflict with Iran.
Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian remarked that the US administration seems to be justifying its military action by accusing Iran of collaborating with Israel and rejecting dialogue. He reiterated that Iran is not seeking war, blaming Israel for regional instability.
Pezeshkian accused the US of trying to incite discord within Muslim nations and distract them from development by flooding the region with weapons. He made a call to French President Emmanuel Macron, labeling the airstrikes on Iranian facilities as a clear indication of US deceit.
During a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pezeshkian conveyed Iran’s commitment to continue uranium enrichment despite what he called the “jungle laws” dictated by the US and Israel. He insisted that claims of Iran seeking nuclear weapons are exaggerated and unfounded.
Pezeshkian asserted that the US and Israel have no legitimate right to impose their will on other nations and called for an end to their policies of pressure and threat. He maintained that Iran’s actions were a lawful act of self-defense in response to a conspiracy of unrest originating from the US-Israel alliance.
It’s unclear if Pezeshkian received the supportive response he anticipated from the leaders he contacted. Macron and Modi primarily urged a return to nuclear negotiations, while even the Pakistani Prime Minister expressed astonishment at the US strikes, providing some international backing for Iran.
Additionally, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Takto Ravanchi affirmed the country’s commitment to resume uranium enrichment swiftly, arguing that as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran retains the right to determine its nuclear activities.
