A Yaser missile is displayed in front of a portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a parade outside Tehran marking National Army Day, April 18, 2013. (AP/Vahid Salemi, File)
Iranian defense council hints Tehran may launch preemptive strikes on US and Israel, condemning “intensifying rhetoric” as domestic unrest surges.
By World Israel News Staff
The Iranian government warned Tuesday the Islamic Republic could carry out preemptive strikes if the regime feels threatened, as internal unrest continues to spread across the country.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Iran’s newly formed Supreme National Defense Council hinted that the regime would not tolerate “hostile behavior” from foreign powers that challenge Iran’s “independence and territorial integrity.”
“Iran’s security, independence, and territorial integrity are red lines that must not be crossed. Any aggression or continued hostile behavior will be met with a decisive and resolute response.”
The council added that Iran’s military may carry out preemptive actions if it believes there are credible “threats” to the regime.
“Within the framework of legitimate self-defense, Iran does not view itself as limited to responding only after an act has occurred. It considers tangible indicators of threats to be part of the security equation.”
The statement, which followed comments by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in support of dissident protesters in Iran, warned that “threatening language” could be construed as “hostile behavior” toward Iran.
“An escalation in threatening language and interventionist conduct that goes beyond verbal posturing may be interpreted as hostile behavior.”
On Monday, Netanyahu warned that Iran would face “severe” consequences in the event of an attack on Israel, while expressing support for anti-regime protesters.
A day earlier, President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that his administration is closely monitoring developments in Iran, adding that the US would strike the regime if protesters are killed.
Over the past nine days, at least 29 people have been killed, with dozens injured and more than 1,200 arrested during demonstrations across 257 locations in 88 cities in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces.
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