Iran Guards Chief Warns Israel of ‘Bitter Consequences’ After Attack

Iran’s top Revolutionary Guards commander has warned Israel of severe repercussions following its recent airstrikes on Iranian military sites, according to local media on Monday.

Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, told Tasnim news agency that Israel’s air raids on Saturday “failed to achieve their harmful objectives.” The strikes were reportedly a response to Tehran’s missile attack on October 1, which itself came after Iranian-backed militant leaders and a Guards commander were killed.

Salami called the Israeli operation a display of “miscalculation and desperation,” noting that Israel is simultaneously facing militants in Gaza and Lebanon allied with Tehran. He cautioned that the consequences for Israel “will be unimaginable.”

Iranian media, however, have downplayed the impact of Israel’s strikes, suggesting that Iran may be cautious about escalating tensions further.

On Sunday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commented that the Israeli attacks, which resulted in the death of four soldiers, “should neither be exaggerated nor minimized,” describing the operation as a “miscalculation.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian also affirmed Iran’s stance, stating, “We do not seek war but will defend our nation’s rights.” He added that Iran “will deliver an appropriate response to the aggression by the Zionist regime.”

In a similar tone, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s “right to respond,” adding that Tehran had “received indications” before the Israeli attack took place.

A U.S. news source, Axios, reported on Saturday that Israel had “sent a message to Iran” ahead of the strikes, cautioning against any form of retaliation.