Tehran: Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated following a series of warnings from senior military and political officials on both sides. A new threat came from Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Ebrahim Jabbari, who warned that Iran would “destroy Israel” as part of Operation True Promise 3. His statement is the third such warning from high-ranking Iranian officials in a week, further increasing fears of instability in the Middle East.
Jabbari said that “Operation True Promise 3 will be carried out at the right time, with precision, and on a scale sufficient to destroy Israel and raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground.” His statement follows similar remarks from Brigadier General Ali Fadavi and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who also threatened military action against Israel. This operation is reportedly the third attack planned by Iran following its previous strikes in April and October 2024.
Israel responds to Iran’s threats
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to the threat, emphasizing Israel’s preparedness. He said, “If the Jewish people have learned anything from history, it is this: if your enemy says his goal is to annihilate you – believe him. We are ready.”
The sharp exchange of threats comes at a time when Iran has been increasing its missile production. Reports suggest that Iran has received a 1,000-ton shipment of rocket fuel precursor chemicals from China. Additionally, IRGC recently unveiled an underground missile base known as a “missile city,” allegedly designed to target warships in strategic southern waters.
Iran’s nuclear program
Amid rising tensions, concerns over Iran’s nuclear program have also intensified. According to The Jerusalem Post, an article in the Middle East Quarterly cites Colin Winston, a 30-year CIA veteran and former head of research at the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Winston argued that now is the best time for the US and Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities before the country develops nuclear weapons.
“Hezbollah and Hamas no longer pose a threat to Israel,” Winston was quoted as saying. “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ lies in ruin. Both Iran’s and Syria’s air defense systems have been destroyed, and Iran’s missile capabilities decimated.”
According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has been enriching uranium to 60%, which is dangerously close to weapons-grade levels. The report suggests that Iran could produce enough material for nuclear bombs within weeks. Winston warns that waiting any longer would give Iran the chance to complete its nuclear weapons program.
Iran warns of consequences
Iran has repeatedly warned that any military strike on its nuclear facilities would result in a full-scale war in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in January, “Launching a military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities would be one of the biggest historical mistakes the US could make.”
Meanwhile, a Washington Post report citing US intelligence sources claimed that Israel could launch a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program by midyear. If such a strike occurs, it could lead to a major regional conflict, drawing in global powers and increasing instability in the Middle East.
