Iran Warns U.S. of 'Painful Responses' Over Israel's Attacks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that the Islamic Republic "will have to show more painful responses," if the United States fails to curb Israel's attacks and accused Washington of being complicit in the strikes.
Iran's armed forces had previously threatened a massive regional response if Israel attacked its nuclear sites, including against U.S. targets in the region.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli prime minister's office and the U.S. State Department for comment.
Pezeshkian's comments come after Iran blamed Washington for the five-day-old Israeli offensive, accusing it of complicity and support. The escalating rhetoric signals the deepening rift between Tehran and Washington, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation that could draw in U.S. forces and further destabilize the Middle East.
It raises further doubts over whether Iran will do a deal with the United States on its nuclear program as U.S. President Donald Trump has said it should.
"If the U.S. government does not prevent the spread of insecurity to the region by bridling that savage (Israeli) regime, Iran will be obliged to give heavier and more painful responses beyond what has occurred so far," Pezeshkian warned in a phone call with Oman's sultan, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
Pezeshkian said Iran holds the United States responsible for enabling what it calls Israeli aggression, saying such attacks would not have been possible without Washington's backing. He referred to "enemies" who have made a "miscalculation," saying they will be subject to "harsh responses."
Israel has struck nuclear, missile, and military sites across Iran in recent days, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists. Iranian officials report dozens of civilian deaths from strikes on residential areas. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israel, which Israeli authorities say also caused civilian casualties.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: "Our Armed Forces are ready, and the country's officials and all the people are behind the Armed Forces. Today, similar messages have been issued by all the various political factions and numerous groups throughout the country. Everyone feels that we must give a strong response to the evil, despicable, terrorist Zionist identity."
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday: "Our wonderful combat pilots are in the skies above the burning city of Tehran. We are determined to complete the mission of removing the double threat."
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Iran should have signed the "deal" I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!"
Israel and Iran are both on a path of escalation despite calls from other countries for the fighting to stop. The United States has moved more forces into the region, but has not yet taken part in strikes on Iran, so far confining itself to helping Israel's defense.
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