New Delhi: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a “tooth-breaking” response to recent Israeli military actions. His remarks follow escalating tensions, including an Israeli commando raid in Lebanon, just days before the US presidential election, with Washington being Israel’s main military backer.
“The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know they will certainly face a tooth-breaking response,” Khamenei stated, referencing Iran-aligned groups across the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.
Further adding to the tensions, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, hinted at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, suggesting that Iran may reconsider its nuclear policy if confronted with an existential threat. “If an existential threat arises, Iran will adjust its nuclear stance; we possess the capacity to build weapons and have no obstacles in this regard,” Kharrazi told Lebanese media.
The latest confrontations began with an October 1 missile strike by Iran, followed by an October 26 Israeli airstrike campaign targeting Iranian military installations, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers. Israel claims these strikes dealt a severe blow to Iran’s missile and air defense systems, while Iran has vowed to retaliate.
Israeli Commandos Seize Hezbollah Operative in Lebanon
In a separate operation, Israeli naval commandos apprehended a Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon. The captured individual, reportedly a high-ranking operative with maritime expertise, is now under Israeli detention.
“A senior Hezbollah operative with specialized expertise has been taken into custody,” stated the Israeli military, as reported by AFP. Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have condemned the raid, with Mikati instructing the foreign ministry to file a complaint with the United Nations. Both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are investigating the incident.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
As hostilities escalate, conditions in Gaza deteriorate. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a missile strike on a polio vaccination center in northern Gaza, injuring six, including four children. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called the attack on Sheikh Radwan Health Center “deeply concerning.”
Israel’s military reported killing dozens of militants in the Jabalia area as operations continue. Civilian casualties are rising, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 43,000 deaths since the conflict reignited, though Israeli sources dispute these figures.
Rising Tensions on Israel’s Northern Border
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, leading to nearly 2,000 fatalities and mass displacement, as Hezbollah retaliates with rocket fire into Israel, including strikes on military sites near Haifa and Tel Aviv. In response, the US has deployed B-52 bombers to the region, aiming to discourage further escalation from Iran.
A US official warned Tehran that Washington might be unable to restrain Israel in the event of another Iranian strike, reportedly stating, “We told the Iranians: We might not be able to hold Israel back.”
