‘Israel will regret this’: Iranian President Pezeshkian vows revenge after Israel attacks Tehran's nuclear facility, kills top generals

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised a strong response to Israel’s early Friday strikes, calling them a “foolish act” that will not go unanswered.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s legitimate and powerful response will make the enemy regret its foolish act,” Pezeshkian said on X. He urged the public to support the government, saying, “The Iranian people and the officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime.”

The Iranian Cabinet also met to discuss the developments, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Supreme Leader issues stern warning

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei also condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a grave mistake.

“The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centres,” Khamenei said in a message to the Iranian public.

“The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will not let it go, God willing,” he added.

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion kills Iran’s top military leaders

On Friday, Israel carried out “preemptive” airstrikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes triggered multiple explosions across Tehran and claimed the lives of key Iranian military leaders.

According to Israeli officials, the country’s armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami, and Supreme Leader adviser Ali Shamkhani were killed during the assault.

Iran has confirmed the deaths, calling the Israeli strike a “declaration of war” and appealing to the UN Security Council to intervene.

The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme.