Iran’s Khamenei Vows Retaliation After Israeli Airstrikes
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned Israel’s airstrikes on June 13, warning of harsh retaliation and declaring Israel has “sealed a bitter destiny.” The strikes killed IRGC chief Salami and civilians. Tensions rise as the U.S. denies involvement but remains on high alert.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Iranian territory, warning that the Israeli regime has “sealed a bitter and painful destiny” for itself and should expect a strong retaliation.
According to IRNA, Iran’s official state-run news agency, Khamenei delivered the remarks in a statement to the Iranian people early Friday, hours after Israel launched multiple strikes on Tehran and other major cities, targeting military and nuclear sites as well as residential areas.
“To the Great Iranian Nation,” the Khamenei said, “the Zionist regime carried out with its evil and bloody hand a crime in our dear country and revealed its wicked nature further by hitting residential areas.”
“The regime should await a harsh response,” he warned, signaling what many analysts fear could be a broader military escalation between the two longtime adversaries.
The message comes amid mounting tensions following Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion, which Israeli officials claim was a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Iranian officials have confirmed the deaths of high-ranking military personnel, including IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami, as well as civilians.
Iran's Khamenei’s remarks, as reported by IRNA, reflect Iran’s unified official stance that retaliation is both imminent and justified. Other top Iranian military figures have echoed this sentiment, with Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warning that both Israel and the United States would “pay a very heavy price.”
While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied any American involvement in the strikes, Reuters reports that the United States has placed its forces in the region on heightened alert amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Kurdistan24 will continue to provide verified and up-to-date coverage on this developing story, citing confirmed information from credible sources.
