Iran strikes back 2nd time: Tehran responds to Israel's Operation Rising Lion; fires barrage of missiles
Image credit: AP
Iran struck back at Israel with a second wave of missiles on Saturday in retaliation to the latter's Operation Rising Lion that killed over 78 people and left 320 injured, according to Iran's UN ambassador.
In a stark warning to Israel, Iranian military shared a video of the strikes saying, "When the last sword strikes, we'll see who remains."
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a recorded address to the nation, said, "Do not assume that they attacked and it's finished. No, they initiated the actions and began the conflict. We will not permit them to evade consequences for this significant wrongdoing they have perpetrated".
Israel's emergency medical services reported that 34 individuals were injured in the missile barrage targeting the Tel Aviv area.
How it all started?
The conflict was sparked by what has been described as Israel's largest military operation in history against Iran. Israeli warplanes and drones on Thursday night—some allegedly pre-positioned within Iranian territory—carried out a massive, coordinated assault deep inside the country.
The attacks targeted critical sites, including components of Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile facilities, and military command centers. Several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed in the strike.
In retaliation, Iran on Friday night launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at central Tel Aviv.
How world leaders reacted?
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to 'make a deal' saying, "Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to 'make a deal.' They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn't get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!"
Meanwhile, Prime minister Narendra Modi called for restoration of peace in the region saying, "Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region."
In a pointed response, Iran rejected the call for restraint saying, "If you were silent during two years of Palestinian massacres and last night's attack on Iran, don't call for restraint now. Stay quiet."
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