Iranian Guard chief warns Israel of ‘bitter consequences’ after attack: reports

Iranian media have downplayed the seriousness of the Israeli operation, signaling, according to analysts, the Islamic Republic’s reluctance to escalate further.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday said the Israeli attack, which killed four soldiers, “should neither be exaggerated nor minimized.”

He called it a “miscalculation” on Israel’s part.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “We do not seek war, but we will defend the rights of our people and country.”

Iran “will give an appropriate response to the aggression of the Zionist regime,” Pezeshkian added.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed Iran’s “right of reply”also saying that Tehran “received instructions” hours before the Israeli attack.

US news site Axios reported on Saturday that Israel had “sent a message to Iran” ahead of the attack and warned it “not to respond.”