Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Vows ‘Crushing Response’ to Israel and US

Iran‘s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, promising a “crushing response” to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites. This threat came on the eve of the 45th anniversary of the seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran and the subsequent hostage crisis.

Khamenei’s remarks were made in response to Israeli strikes on October 26, which targeted Iranian military facilities. The Supreme Leader emphasized Iran’s military and political readiness to counter what he described as the “arrogance” of both Israel and the United States. This escalation in rhetoric follows a period of heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US.

In addition to Khamenei’s threats, General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, reiterated the vow during commemorations in Tehran. Salami stated that Iran and its allies would equip themselves with whatever necessary to confront and defeat their enemies, referencing militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are supported by Tehran.

The situation has been further complicated by the detention of Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist who was employed by Radio Farda, a service under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Valizadeh’s detention was confirmed by the U.S. Department of State, marking the first known detention of an American by Iran since the release of five Americans in September 2023 in exchange for five Iranians held in the US and the unfreezing of $6 billion in Iranian assets by South Korea.

The US has responded to Iran’s threats by deploying long-range B-52 bombers in the Middle East to deter Iranian actions. The State Department has also criticized Iran’s pattern of unjustly imprisoning U.S. citizens and others for political motives, labeling such actions as cruel and inconsistent with international law.

Iranian state television broadcast footage of various cities observing the anniversary of the embassy takeover, with thousands gathering at the site of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, chanting slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” and burning flags and effigies of Israeli officials.