Iran’s President Justifies Missile Strike on Israel as Defense of National Interests

 

President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has defended the country’s recent missile strike on Israel, stating that the attack was in response to protecting Iran's interests and citizens. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pezeshkian emphasized that the strike, carried out on Tuesday, was “only a portion of our power.”

"This action was in defense of the interests and citizens of Iran. To let [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu know that Iran is not belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat," Pezeshkian wrote, warning Israel not to engage in further conflict with Iran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also issued a stern message on X, this time in Hebrew, warning that future retaliations against Israel would become "stronger and more painful." Khamenei remarked, “With God’s help, the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.”

This escalation follows an Israeli ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon, aimed at targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The tensions heightened after Israel's airstrike last Friday, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, severely impacting the group's leadership.

The situation continues to evolve as both nations exchange warnings and actions, raising concerns over further military conflict in the region.