Iranian officials have issued a stark warning about their plans for future attacks on Israel, indicating they intend to use more powerful warheads than those previously employed. This escalation comes despite U.S. warnings against Iran launching a counter-attack. The tensions heightened following an Israeli strike on October 26 that targeted critical military infrastructure in Iran, which was a response to approximately 200 missiles launched from Iran into Israel on October 1.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Israel has so far avoided striking Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities, key components of its national security, although Israeli officials suggest that this cautious approach could change. In the wake of Israel’s recent attacks, Iranian and Arab diplomats indicated that Iran’s conventional military forces might participate in future retaliatory actions, especially after the losses of four soldiers and a civilian in the recent conflict.
Iranian assessments have shifted from downplaying the impact of Israeli strikes to a more aggressive stance of threatening revenge. According to experts, Iran retains the capability to launch significantly more projectiles with heavier warheads than those used in its earlier attacks against Israel. Taleblu emphasized that Iran’s military strategy could potentially set the stage for developing nuclear weapons if tensions continue to escalate without adequate air defenses.
On Saturday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proclaimed that Iran is capable of building a nuclear weapon, promising a “tooth-breaking” response to both Israeli and U.S. actions. Kamal Kharrazi, a senior adviser to Khamenei, echoed this sentiment, warning that Iran might change its nuclear policy if it perceives an existential threat. Kharrazi stated, “If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine,” reinforcing the notion that Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain a significant concern. Furthermore, Iranian officials have hinted that any retaliation for Israel’s October 26 attack would occur after the U.S. elections on November 8, but before the new president takes office in January.
