IRNA reported, on Saturday evening, that the Iranian Army General Staff issued a statement on the anniversary of the return of prisoners to Iran on August 16. The military authority warned the ‘criminal and evil America and the savage Zionist entity’ with a stern warning that if any devilish act is repeated, they will face stronger and harsher measures than before.
The military statement emphasized that ‘the Iranian people, with wise and courageous leadership, are capable of facing any threat with strength and determination, without succumbing to pressures and threats.’ The statement noted that ‘global arrogance, despite its repeated failures over 46 years, has once again returned in cooperation with the oppressive Zionist entity — which is a tool and arm for it in the region — yet this conspiracy has resulted only in defeat and scandal for the aggressors.’
Iran responded by bombing Israeli military and intelligence headquarters using ballistic missiles and drones. On June 22, the United States attacked Iranian facilities, claiming to have ‘aborted’ the Iranian nuclear program, prompting Tehran to respond by bombing the American Al Udeid base in Qatar. The confrontation ended with Washington declaring a ceasefire between the two sides on June 24, despite accusations by Israel and the United States that Iran is seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, while Tehran asserts that its program is peaceful and aims to generate electricity.
The Israeli attack was preceded by rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue, at a time when Israel still possesses a nuclear arsenal not subject to international oversight.
