Iran Warns of Retaliation Following Israeli Air Strikes Amid Middle East Tensions

Iran issued a strong warning on Saturday, declaring its intent to defend itself after Israeli air strikes reportedly killed at least four Iranian soldiers, intensifying fears of a wider Middle Eastern conflict. The escalation follows Israeli threats that Iran would “pay a heavy price” if it retaliated, while the United States, Germany, and Britain have urged Tehran to avoid escalating the situation further.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope for de-escalation, stating, “I hope this is the end,” following the Israeli strikes, which he noted appeared to target only military facilities. Biden urged Israel to avoid hitting nuclear and oil installations in its retaliatory measures, a precaution confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which verified that no nuclear sites were impacted.

The European Union also called for “utmost restraint” to prevent an “uncontrollable escalation,” reflecting concerns from numerous countries. Many of Iran’s neighbors condemned Israel’s strikes, while Russia joined the chorus, urging both parties to exercise caution to avoid what it called a “catastrophic scenario.”

Iran, asserting its right to self-defense, received backing from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on five residential areas in northern Israel. Israel’s military reported that over 80 projectiles had been launched across the border on Saturday. Hezbollah later issued evacuation warnings for several locations within Israel, while the Israeli army reciprocated with similar warnings for neighborhoods in southern Beirut.

Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency indicated that Israel conducted another air raid in southern Beirut early Sunday, marking an ongoing exchange of hostilities as both sides brace for further developments.