"Iran warns of a 'decisive and painful' retaliation against Israel, possibly occurring before the upcoming U.S. election."
On October 27, 2024, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed a gathering in Tehran, highlighting the tension with Israel. According to a senior Iranian source cited by CNN, Iran is preparing a “decisive and painful” response to recent Israeli actions on its territory, possibly ahead of the November 5 U.S. presidential election.
This potential response follows Israeli airstrikes on October 26, launched as a counter to Iran’s major missile assault on Israel earlier in the month. During this operation, Israel targeted key Iranian military infrastructure, focusing on drone, ballistic missile facilities, and air defense systems, with strikes reported near Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre reaffirmed the U.S. stance against Iranian retaliation, stating, "If they do, we will support Israel in defending itself, but they should not." Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller remarked that Israel’s response was appropriate but emphasized that escalation should end here, noting that Iran is well aware of the U.S. position discouraging further conflict.
Following Iran’s previous October 1 missile strike on Israel, which led to minor structural damage and one casualty in the West Bank, Israel mounted its largest-ever operation against Iranian assets. This strike has reportedly weakened Iran’s air defense capabilities, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi hinting at the potential for even more forceful measures if further aggression occurs.
In response, Iranian officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Hossein Salami, have vowed repercussions, asserting that Israel’s objectives were unachieved and warning of serious consequences for any future conflict escalation.