Israel has promised to bring Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to book after Iranian missiles hit an Israeli hospital in Beersheba. Defence Minister Israel Katz referred to Khamenei as a “cowardly dictator” and stated that he would face repercussions for “serious war crimes.” Israeli officials have now instructed heightened attacks on Iran’s strategic targets.
Meanwhile, Iran accused Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu of creating the war, describing the attacks as self-defence. Tehran also cautioned the United States against intervening or risking repercussions.
Israel Accuses Khamenei of War Crimes
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader personally for ordering attacks on civilians. “The Iranian coward dictator resides in the bottom of the bunker fortification and fires targeted shots at hospitals and residential areas in Israel,” Katz posted on social media. He further stated, “These are war crimes of the most severe type—and Khamenei will be held accountable.
Israel Katz asserted that Israeli PM Netanyahu had requested the defence officials to increase strikes on Iran’s pivotal infrastructure.
Netanyahu Calls for Complete Retaliation
PM Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel would charge a “full price” from Tehran. He asserted that Israeli troops had already attacked Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor. Netanyahu emphasized that the current scenario was not merely retaliation but a clear message to Iran’s leadership.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed this position. “The Iranian regime has no red lines,” he stated, denouncing attacks on civilian targets as criminal and barbaric.
Iran Warns the US, Defends Its Actions
Iranian officials, on the other hand, denounced Israel’s claims. Iran would retaliate if the United States entered into the fighting, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said. “If America is determined to actively take the field on behalf of the Zionist regime, Iran will have to utilize its instruments to both give a lesson to aggressors and protect its national security and national interests,” he warned.
Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Aragachi reacted quickly as well. He termed Iran’s actions as self-defence and blamed Israel as the true aggressor in the region.
“Only Israel has 90 nuclear warheads in the region,” Aragachi added. “The Middle East doesn’t have nuclear weapons. World leaders should realize that this is a Netanyahu-made war to end diplomacy.
He further stated, “Iran will proceed to exercise its right of self-defence proudly and courageously. We will make the aggressor sorry and compensate for its serious mistake.”
Rising Tensions and Global Fallout
As both sides heighten rhetoric as well as military activities, international fears of a broader regional war keep increasing. With Israel hitting nuclear facilities and Iran threatening wider retaliation, the Middle East is on the brink of a perilous encounter.
