Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had a gun by his side when he addressed a public sermon after Friday prayers on October 4, in the wake of Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.

The sermon, his first in five years, also came days after Iran conducted a series of missile strikes on Israel in response to Nasrallah's killing. Addressing thousands of worshippers gathered at a Tehran mosque, Khamenei said Israel will not last long, and described the Iranian strikes on Israel as a "public service".

Watch:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> Leader Ayat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Khamenei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Khamenei</a>'s speech started in the Friday prayers of Tehran, along with the commemoration ceremony for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hezbollah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hezbollah</a> chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. <a href="https://t.co/SHGtbzH8ZI">pic.twitter.com/SHGtbzH8ZI</a>
— Iran's Today (@Iran) <a href="https://twitter.com/Iran/status/1842123179281506388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The sermon took place just a few days ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel that sparked off the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and a wider regional conflict.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-of-iranian-intel-unit-turned-out-to-be-mossad-agent-ex-iran-prez-reveals-763598">Also read: Chief of Iranian intel unit turned out to be Mossad agent, ex-Iran president reveals</a>

Khamenei last led a Friday prayer in January 2020 after Iran Guards chief Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq.

Watch: Iran-Israel War: Will Israel Strike Iran's Nuclear Facilities?

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Praising Hezbollah as a "blessed tree" and hailing Hamas, he doubled down on Iran's support for resistance against Israel, which he described as a "tool" of American interests in the region.&nbsp;

About Nasrallah, Khamenei said his "martyrdom" would only strengthen resistance efforts.&nbsp;

<h2>Not the first time Iran leader sported a gun. Reason is...</h2>

Khamenei's appearance with the gun, while curious, is not a first. In June 2019, he sported a rifle while giving a sermon to mark the end of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan.

Khamanei had reasons to be worried about his personal security as he always had threats to his life from countries including Israel and the United States. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-in-first-public-address-in-5-years-calls-missile-attack-on-israel-legal-and-legitimate-764453">Also read: Khamenei, in first public address in 5 years, calls missile attack on Israel 'legal and legitimate'</a>

It was during one such sermon in 1985 that he faced an assassination attempt. A suicide bomber blew himself up near him, but the Iranian leader survived. Reportedly, he continued with the sermon after three minutes of gap.

That was not the first attempt on his life either. He was targeted several times in the past. The most significant assassination attempt was in 1981 when he was seriously injured when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder blew up during a Friday prayer sermon.&nbsp;

Khamenei was partially paralysed after that attack, and permanently lost use of his right arm.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had a gun by his side when he addressed a public sermon after Friday prayers on October 4, in the wake of Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had a gun by his side when he addressed a public sermon after Friday prayers on October 4, in the wake of Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. The sermon, his first in five years, also came days after Iran conducted a series of missile strikes on Israel in response to Nasrallah's killing. Addressing thousands of worshippers gathered at a Tehran mosque, Khamenei said Israel will not last long, and described the Iranian strikes on Israel as a "public service". Watch: #Iran Leader Ayat. #Khamenei's speech started in the Friday prayers of Tehran, along with the commemoration ceremony for the #Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. pic.twitter.com/SHGtbzH8ZI — Iran's Today (@Iran) October 4, 2024 × The sermon took place just a few days ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel that sparked off the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and a wider regional conflict. Also read: Chief of Iranian intel unit turned out to be Mossad agent, ex-Iran president reveals Khamenei last led a Friday prayer in January 2020 after Iran Guards chief Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq. Watch: Iran-Israel War: Will Israel Strike Iran's Nuclear Facilities? × Praising Hezbollah as a "blessed tree" and hailing Hamas, he doubled down on Iran's support for resistance against Israel, which he described as a "tool" of American interests in the region. About Nasrallah, Khamenei said his "martyrdom" would only strengthen resistance efforts. Not the first time Iran leader sported a gun. Reason is... Khamenei's appearance with the gun, while curious, is not a first. In June 2019, he sported a rifle while giving a sermon to mark the end of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. Khamanei had reasons to be worried about his personal security as he always had threats to his life from countries including Israel and the United States. Also read: Khamenei, in first public address in 5 years, calls missile attack on Israel 'legal and legitimate' It was during one such sermon in 1985 that he faced an assassination attempt. A suicide bomber blew himself up near him, but the Iranian leader survived. Reportedly, he continued with the sermon after three minutes of gap. That was not the first attempt on his life either. He was targeted several times in the past. The most significant assassination attempt was in 1981 when he was seriously injured when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder blew up during a Friday prayer sermon. Khamenei was partially paralysed after that attack, and permanently lost use of his right arm. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Khamenei had gun during first public sermon in 5 years slamming Israel. Not for first time

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel.

When asked during a press briefing at the White House if he would permit Israel to retaliate, Biden responded, "First of all, we don't 'allow' Israel, we advise Israel. And there is nothing going to happen today."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-netanyahu-agreed-to-ceasefire-before-hezbollah-chiefs-death-lebanese-ministers-shocking-claim-764134">Hezbollah, Israel agreed to truce before Nasrallah's death? Minister claims...</a>

Biden further mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding potential Israeli retaliation, specifically targeting Iran's oil infrastructure in response to the missile attack. The&nbsp;remarks caused oil prices to surge on Thursday.

"We're discussing that. I think that would be a little... anyway," Biden said, when questioned about whether he would endorse Israel hitting Iranian oil facilities.&nbsp;Oil prices jumped five pern cent over concerns about the Middle East after Biden's comments, AFP reported.

Iran&nbsp;has said that it will increase its involvement if Israel retaliates. On Thursday, Israel's military said that it targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence centre in Beirut. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli forces engaged in ground combat with militants near the Lebanon border&nbsp;border and carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-on-irans-hit-list-viral-poster-featuring-israeli-terrorists-fuels-speculations-764265">Bibi on Iran’s hit list? Poster featuring 'Israeli terrorists' fuels rumours</a>

On Wednesday, President Biden stated that he does not support Israel launching an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

This comes after Iran fired approximately 200 rockets at Israel in a missile assault on Tuesday, which led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a warning, saying that Tehran would face consequences.&nbsp;Iran claimed the attack was in response to the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel.

US President Joe Biden said that he didn't expect any Israeli strikes on Iran to happen on Thursday (October 3), as tensions in the region remain high following Tehran's large-scale missile attack on Israel. When asked during a press briefing at the White House if he would permit Israel to retaliate, Biden responded, "First of all, we don't 'allow' Israel, we advise Israel. And there is nothing going to happen today." Also read: Hezbollah, Israel agreed to truce before Nasrallah's death? Minister claims... Biden further mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding potential Israeli retaliation, specifically targeting Iran's oil infrastructure in response to the missile attack. The remarks caused oil prices to surge on Thursday. "We're discussing that. I think that would be a little... anyway," Biden said, when questioned about whether he would endorse Israel hitting Iranian oil facilities. Oil prices jumped five pern cent over concerns about the Middle East after Biden's comments, AFP reported. Iran has said that it will increase its involvement if Israel retaliates. On Thursday, Israel's military said that it targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence centre in Beirut. Meanwhile, Israeli forces engaged in ground combat with militants near the Lebanon border border and carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. Also read: Bibi on Iran’s hit list? Poster featuring 'Israeli terrorists' fuels rumours On Wednesday, President Biden stated that he does not support Israel launching an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. This comes after Iran fired approximately 200 rockets at Israel in a missile assault on Tuesday, which led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a warning, saying that Tehran would face consequences. Iran claimed the attack was in response to the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden: No strikes on Iran ‘today,’ but targeting its oil facilities remains an option

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel&nbsp;launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

"I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation,"&nbsp;Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said.

The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing.

"The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-palestinian-request-for-full-statehood-at-united-nations-712748">US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations</a>

<h2>'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani</h2>

Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details.

"The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by.&nbsp;

The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end."

<h2>Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel&nbsp;</h2>

Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying.

“The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said.

Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion.

Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now".

Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X.

"Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported.&nbsp;

The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran. "I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri. "What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said. The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing. "The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said. Also read: US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations 'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details. "The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by. The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end." Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying. “The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said. Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion. Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now". Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X. "Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites. (With inputs from agencies)

US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.

Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness.

Earlier in the day, Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement released by the Israeli army on Saturday&nbsp;that Iran would bear consequences for any escalation in the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-teen-found-dead-in-the-west-bank-idf-claims-he-was-murdered-in-terror-attack-710901">Israeli teen found dead in West Bank; IDF claims he was murdered in terror attack</a>

"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," Hagari said, "Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond."

The statement was sent after the statement was made in reference to the seizure of a vessel between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/middle-east-crisis-list-of-countries-that-have-issued-advisory-against-travel-to-israel-palestine-lebanon-710679">Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine &amp; Iran</a>

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel.&nbsp;

"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran. Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness. Earlier in the day, Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement released by the Israeli army on Saturday that Iran would bear consequences for any escalation in the region. Also read: Israeli teen found dead in West Bank; IDF claims he was murdered in terror attack "Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," Hagari said, "Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond." The statement was sent after the statement was made in reference to the seizure of a vessel between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Also read | Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine & Iran United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel. "We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.

Israel calls off school trips, puts forces on full alert amid Iran threat

Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz on Wednesday (April 10) threatened that if Iran launches attacks from its own soil then Israel will strike back inside Iran. This statement came amid increasingly aggressive rhetoric between the two countries.

Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated&nbsp;that Israel should be punished and it shall be for allegedly attacking an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus, which killed two generals among several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4q_Dvi7WFAxUci68BHb-DDrUQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw00D1PcV0DbrdfQNrocyky1&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558" target="_blank">Explained:&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;military's use of AI tool 'Lavender' to generate kill lists</a>

Katz posted in Hebrew on his social media account on X, “If Iran attacks from its territory; Israel will react and attack in Iran.”

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اگر ایران از خاک خود حمله کند، اسرائیل واکنش نشان داده و در ایران حمله خواهد کرد <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khamenei_ir</a>
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1777937629096337817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He then posted the same warning in a Persian-language post and tagged Khamenei’s official X account.

Iran, claiming its aim to eradicate the Jewish state, has developed rockets capable of reaching any part of Israel and has proudly asserted its capacity to launch attacks.

In a significant escalation of Israel’s conflict with regional foes, suspected Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on a building in the Syrian capital on April 1. Iran stated that the strike killed seven IRGC military advisers at a consulate site, including Iran’s top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi.

Khamenei condemned the strike, which demolished a five-story building near the Iranian embassy in Syria, stating that it violated international agreements safeguarding diplomatic premises.

“The consulate and embassy offices in any country belong to that country. Attacking a consulate is tantamount to an attack on our territory,” he declared in a speech marking the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “The malicious regime made an error and must face consequences, which it shall,” he added.

However, State TV broadcast Khamenei’s remarks live, but he did not elaborate on how or when Iran would retaliate.

Earlier on Tuesday (April 9), unnamed US intelligence sources informed, that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of American and Israeli retaliation and will urge its various proxies in the region to launch attacks on its behalf in the coming days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4q_Dvi7WFAxUci68BHb-DDrUQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Xhjvpo6WcPwOPojKJAhV-&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;kills senior Hezbollah commander in strike on southern Lebanon</a>

Released on Monday night, the report raised doubts regarding the prior assessments made by both Washington and Jerusalem, suggesting that an attack by Iran was inevitable.

Notably, Israel has remained on high alert recently following threats of retaliation from Iranian officials&nbsp;after the Damascus airstrike that resulted in the death of IRGC's top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, along with six other members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and at least one member of the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz on Wednesday (April 10) threatened that if Iran launches attacks from its own soil then Israel will strike back inside Iran. This statement came amid increasingly aggressive rhetoric between the two countries.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz on Wednesday (April 10) threatened that if Iran launches attacks from its own soil then Israel will strike back inside Iran. This statement came amid increasingly aggressive rhetoric between the two countries. Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel should be punished and it shall be for allegedly attacking an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus, which killed two generals among several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. Also read: Explained: Israeli military's use of AI tool 'Lavender' to generate kill lists Katz posted in Hebrew on his social media account on X, “If Iran attacks from its territory; Israel will react and attack in Iran.” اگر ایران از خاک خود حمله کند، اسرائیل واکنش نشان داده و در ایران حمله خواهد کرد @khamenei_ir — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 10, 2024 × He then posted the same warning in a Persian-language post and tagged Khamenei’s official X account. Iran, claiming its aim to eradicate the Jewish state, has developed rockets capable of reaching any part of Israel and has proudly asserted its capacity to launch attacks. In a significant escalation of Israel’s conflict with regional foes, suspected Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on a building in the Syrian capital on April 1. Iran stated that the strike killed seven IRGC military advisers at a consulate site, including Iran’s top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Khamenei condemned the strike, which demolished a five-story building near the Iranian embassy in Syria, stating that it violated international agreements safeguarding diplomatic premises. “The consulate and embassy offices in any country belong to that country. Attacking a consulate is tantamount to an attack on our territory,” he declared in a speech marking the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “The malicious regime made an error and must face consequences, which it shall,” he added. However, State TV broadcast Khamenei’s remarks live, but he did not elaborate on how or when Iran would retaliate. Earlier on Tuesday (April 9), unnamed US intelligence sources informed, that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of American and Israeli retaliation and will urge its various proxies in the region to launch attacks on its behalf in the coming days. Also read: Israel kills senior Hezbollah commander in strike on southern Lebanon Released on Monday night, the report raised doubts regarding the prior assessments made by both Washington and Jerusalem, suggesting that an attack by Iran was inevitable. Notably, Israel has remained on high alert recently following threats of retaliation from Iranian officials after the Damascus airstrike that resulted in the death of IRGC's top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, along with six other members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and at least one member of the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel threatens to strike Iran directly if it launches attacks from its own territory

In the ongoing shadow conflict between Iran and Israel, the two arch enemies have been engaged in direct and indirect hostilities for decades. Now the landscapes of intense hostility between the West Asian countries are changing. Iran's nuclear program with its potential to develop nuclear weapons has been the undercurrent of this current conflict.

Why Iran-Israel tensions on the rise again?