Expert to Al-Manar: Iran's Real Retaliatory Strikes Yet to Come
In an interview on Tuesday, Mokhtar Haddad, Editor-in-Chief of the Iranian newspaper Al-Wefaq, said that the real retaliatory strikes by the Islamic Republic are yet to come.
'Incoming news as well as indicators in the course of the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the Zionist entity point to a qualitative shift in the battlefield dynamics.'
Haddad noted that the continuation of the missile strikes by Iran 'exposes falsity of Zionist claims regarding air control and intelligence superiority.'
He said that despite the Israeli claims regarding the destruction of Iran's missile launchers and production facilities, the launch of new missiles, some of which were used for the first time, and from multiple sources continues.
Such development 'indicates a qualitative development in Iran's defensive capabilities as it points to a clear intelligence failure on the part of the enemy, the Iranian expert added.
Haddad argued that the Zionist entity boasts of targeting civilian facilities, as happened in a public street north of Tehran, or in Al-Quds Square in the center of the capital a few days ago, where civilian students were targeted.
'On the other hand, Iran responds with precise strikes targeting sensitive intelligence centers, such as the Mossad headquarters in Herzliya. This indicates a remarkable intelligence achievment that has confused the Zionist regime,' he told Al-Manar.
Meanwhile, Haddad said that the Iranian operations we are seeing today remain within the framework of deterrence and warning.
He cited well-informed sources in the Islamic Republic that the real retaliatory strikes are yet to come and that 'what has happened so far was just an early warning.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
L'Orient-Le Jour
20 minutes ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Israeli defense minister approves plan to seize Gaza City, recalls 60,000 reservists
The Israeli defense minister has approved the plan for the army to seize Gaza City, and ordered the recall of 60,000 reservists to take part in the operation, the ministry said Wednesday. Minister Israel Katz "approved the Israeli army's attack plan for Gaza City," the largest city in the Palestinian territory in the north, the ministry told AFP. Katz also "approved the issuance of recall orders for the reservists needed to fulfill the mission" for about 60,000 men. The minister also approved "the humanitarian preparations for the evacuation" of the populations from Gaza City. Israel said in early August that it was preparing to take control of Gaza City and neighboring refugee camps with the stated goal of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages abducted during the Palestinian Islamist movement's Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced late last week that he had adopted this new plan, which had been approved by his security cabinet, for this latest phase of operations in the Gaza Strip.
L'Orient-Le Jour
21 minutes ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
MPs opposed to Hezbollah seek to file complaint against Naim Qassem
Several sovereignist MPs, including former Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi and other political figures, announced Tuesday their intention to take legal action against Hezbollah's secretary-general, Naim Qassem, for his recent statements, which "border on incitement to civil war in Lebanon and fuel sectarian tensions." Last Friday, Qassem issued several warnings, stating that Hezbollah was ready for confrontation if disarmament were imposed on it. These statements drew considerable criticism from several political leaders. Moderating Qassem's words, Hezbollah's deputy political council chairman, Mahmoud Qomati, stated Saturday that his party was not "in internal Lebanese confrontation," but that "the weapons of the resistance cannot be surrendered during times of occupation." Following a meeting chaired by Rifi, held at his home in Ashrafieh in the presence of MPs Georges Okais, Camille Shamoun and Elie Khoury, former MP Eddy Abillama, as well as Elie Mahfoud, a lawyer close to the Lebanese Forces and president of the Movement for Change, participants said in a statement that a complaint would be filed against Qassem with the Court of Cassation. This will target the party leader and 'any person the investigation may identify, so that the necessary judicial measures can be taken against them,' Mahfoud said in a statement cited by the state-run National News Agency (NNA). While the party emerged militarily weakened against Israel after the 2024 war, Nawaf Salam's government committed to disarming militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah. The Lebanese Army was tasked at the beginning of August with developing a plan to disarm the party. Since taking office, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have said they are determined to assert judicial independence and the state's monopoly on arms. 'Imminent danger' "At this decisive moment in Lebanon's history, amid the largest rescue and liberation operation from decades-long Iranian domination that has weighed on the Lebanese Republic and subjected Lebanese to all manner of repression, assassinations, and invasions, and as a promising term begins with a staunchly sovereignist president, a courageous prime minister, and a government that has decided to end the abnormal situation of weapons proliferation through an armed organization sponsored and directed by Iran, Naim Kassem appears with a series of positions and statements in which he threatens the entire Lebanese people, exposing the country and its population to mortal danger," the statement said. The participants said they want "to resort to justice so it acts immediately against the person concerned, before it's too late," arguing that "silence or complacency in the face of Naim Qassem's actions and those of his armed organization would expose the Lebanese to imminent danger." This is not the first legal move of its kind against the head of the party. On July 9, activists and journalists opposed to Hezbollah called for a judicial inquiry against Qassem before the public prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Jamal Hajjar.
L'Orient-Le Jour
21 minutes ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Israel gives final green light to E1 settlement plan, threatening to split the West Bank in two
Israeli army orders evacuation of Jabaliya and Gaza City outskirts The Israeli military has issued a brief statement urging civilians to evacuate Jabaliya and the outskirts of Gaza City, labeling them "active combat zones." Residents have been told to move south within the Gaza Strip. According to Haaretz, leaflets with evacuation instructions and maps were also dropped over the affected neighborhoods. Israeli soldier seriously wounded in attack on army post in Khan Younis A group of around 14 fighters attempted to infiltrate an Israeli army post in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, injuring two soldiers — one of them seriously. This marks the first organized group assault on Israeli troops since at least March, according to Haaretz. Israeli forces returned fire, killing at least eight of the attackers. The army said the base itself was not breached. 13:17 Beirut Time Invasion plans, civilian evacuations, and military buildup — this article breaks down the key elements of the Israeli offensive on Gaza City. 11:11 Beirut Time Gaza city occupation plan approved by Katz: What we know so far — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the army's plan to seize and occupy Gaza City. The plan, initially presented by the army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir — who approved it earlier this week — will now be submitted to the Security Cabinet on Thursday for final approval. — The operation is named 'Gideon's Chariots II,' a continuation of a previous offensive plan approved in May 2025. — The plan includes the displacement of Gaza City residents to southern parts of the Strip. — According to military officials cited by Haaretz, fighting is expected to continue 'into 2026,' with up to 130,000 reservists called up. The Defense Ministry confirmed that 60,000 reservists have already been summoned, and the service period for currently deployed troops will be extended by about a month. — Five army divisions, in addition to the existing Gaza Division, are expected to take part in the assault. Military sources say preliminary attacks and operations are already underway in the area. — The stated goal is the 'defeat of Hamas,' though no clear definition has been provided. Military officials estimate that two Hamas brigades remain active in Gaza City. 11:02 Beirut Time Gaza City operation: Israeli hostage families demand urgent meeting with army chief and defense minister The Forum of Israeli Hostages and Missing Families has requested an urgent meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to secure guarantees for the safety of their loved ones ahead of the military's expanded operations in Gaza. The demand comes as Katz approved the army's plans for the operation known as "Gideon's Chariots II." In a statement cited by Haaretz, the families urged officials to ensure the operation does not lead to 'the murder of the six remaining hostages,' referencing the deaths of six captives in Rafah during a previous Israeli advance. As Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved this morning the military plans for the occupation of Gaza — an operation named "Gideon's Chariots II" — we invite you to revisit our earlier analysis on the significance behind the name chosen by the Israeli army for its Gaza campaign back in May. That May 2025 plan already outlined the 'conquest' of Gaza and supported a proposal aimed at organizing the 'voluntary departure' of its residents. Once dismissed as the obsession of a fringe group of religious extremists, the ambition to re-colonize Gaza has gained ground amid the ongoing war in the enclave—marking a major victory for Israel's far-right settler movement. 👉 Read the full story here. Iran warns Israel over new missile capabilities Two days after Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that a new war with Israel could break out 'at any moment,' Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a strong warning to Israel, saying Iran now possesses significantly more advanced ballistic missile capabilities than during the 12-day war in June. 'The missiles used during the 12-day war were developed by the Defense Ministry years ago. Today, however, we have built and deployed new missiles with far superior capabilities,' Nasirzadeh said, as reported by Tehran-based West Asia News Agency (WANA). 'If the Zionist regime dares to launch another aggression, we will certainly use them,' he added. Nasirzadeh also praised Iran's military performance during the June conflict, despite what he called 'some of the world's most powerful Israeli defense systems' and extensive U.S. logistical, intelligence, and operational support for Israel. 10:03 Beirut Time Australia defends PM after Netanyahu calls him 'weak' Australia condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's harsh criticism of Australian PM Anthony Albanese, whom Netanyahu called a 'weak politician who betrayed Israel.' Australia's Interior Minister Tony Burke responded, saying strength 'is not measured by how many people you can blow up or children you starve.' Tensions rose after Australia announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. 10:02 Beirut Time New crisis between Netanyahu and Macron over antisemitism Netanyahu accused French President Macron of 'fueling antisemitism' by planning to recognize the Palestinian state. The Élysée called this claim 'false and despicable' and promised a formal written response, reaffirming France's commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens. 10:01 Beirut Time Israeli army kills Hamas commando officer linked to Oct. 7 attack The Israeli army said it killed Mohammad Naef Abou Chamala, a Hamas commando involved in the failed Oct.7 attack on the Ma'aras military post — the only Israeli base not breached during the attack. 10:00 Beirut Time Israeli strikes and Gaza occupation plans amid cease-fire talks Israeli strikes have killed at least 28 Palestinians since dawn, including seven near Nousseirat collecting food aid. Israel approved 'Operation Gideon's Chariots II,' a plan to occupy Gaza, calling up 60,000 reservists. Hamas accepted a cease-fire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Israel demands the release of all hostages, rejecting a phased return plan.
