'Will respond and attack in Iran': Israel threatens Islamic Republic after Khamenei's retaliation vow

As tensions between the two rival powers flare following the killings of Iranian generals in a blast at the Iranian consulate in Syria, Israel on Wednesday threatened the Islamic Republic saying that it will directly attack in Iran if the country launches an attack from its territory.

Taking to X, foreign minister Israel Katz said, “If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran.”

If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran@khamenei_ir https://t.co/KQw5c4QlXU

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 10, 2024

אם איראן תתקוף משטחה - ישראל תגיב ותתקוף באיראן.@khamenei_ir

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 10, 2024

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Following the attack on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated on Wednesday a vow to retaliate against Israel.

Tehran attributes the strike, which destroyed the building and resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, to Israel. Despite Israel not officially claiming responsibility, it has anticipated an Iranian reprisal, marking a notable escalation in their enduring clandestine conflict.

Addressing a prayer ceremony marking the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Khamenei condemned the airstrike as “wrongdoing,” likening it to an assault on Iranian soil.

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“When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” the Associated Press quoted Khamenei as saying in remarks broadcast by Iranian state TV.

“The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished,” he had said.

Neither Katz nor the Ayatollah elaborated on the way they would retaliate, added the report.

Among 12 killed in the blast on April 1 were seven Iranian Revolutionary Guard members, four Syrians and a Hezbollah militia member.

Khamenei also criticised the West, particularly the US and Britain, for supporting Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

“It was expected they (would) prevent (Israel) in this disaster. They did not. They did not fulfil their duties, the Western governments,” he said.

Iran supports anti-Israeli militant groups like Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah. It does not recognise Israel.

With inputs from agencies