A senior advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei hinted at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, suggesting that the country may reassess its nuclear policy if confronted with an existential threat.
The US military has stationed B-52 bombers in the region.
New Delhi: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning, promising a “tooth-breaking” response to recent Israeli military actions. His bold statement, aligning with intensified conflict across the region, underscores the potential for Iran to recalibrate its nuclear policy if confronted by an existential threat.
This declaration arrives amidst a significant escalation in Middle Eastern hostilities. Israel recently conducted an Israeli commando raid in Lebanon, part of a broader conflict backdrop as the United States, Israel’s primary military ally, prepares for a pivotal presidential election. “The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response,” Khamenei asserted, hinting at support from Iran-aligned factions like Hezbollah in Lebanon and various groups in Yemen and Syria.
Adding to this high-stakes situation, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, alluded to Iran’s nuclear potential, suggesting that Iran might alter its nuclear doctrine if its survival is jeopardized. “If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine,” Kharrazi told Lebanese media, emphasizing Iran’s capability to build nuclear weapons if necessary.
Intensifying Conflict: Missile Strikes and Air Raids Between Israel and Iran
The latest confrontations began with an October 1 missile strike by Iran, to which Israel responded on October 26 with an airstrike targeting Iranian military installations. According to Israeli reports, this air campaign inflicted considerable damage on Iran’s missile and air defense systems, killing four Iranian soldiers. Iran has since vowed retaliation, marking a serious escalation in the regional standoff.
Israel Raids Hezbollah, Captures Senior Operative in Lebanon
Meanwhile, in a separate covert operation, Israeli naval commandos captured a high-ranking Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon. According to sources, the individual was undergoing maritime training and has since been taken to Israel for investigation. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned the operation, directing Lebanon’s foreign ministry to file a complaint with the United Nations. Lebanese authorities and UN peacekeepers are currently investigating the incident.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza as Civilian Casualties Surge
As tensions rise, Gaza faces a growing humanitarian crisis. A missile strike on a polio vaccination center in north Gaza injured six people, including four children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern, condemning the attack on Sheikh Radwan health center. Civilian casualties are mounting, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 43,000 deaths, though these figures are disputed by Israeli officials. The Israeli military claims that dozens of militants were killed in Jabalia as their operations continued.
US B-52 Bombers Deployed Amid Escalation on Israel’s Northern Border
In response to escalating hostilities, particularly along Israel’s northern border, the US has deployed B-52 bombers to the Middle East, signaling its intent to curb further escalation from Iran. Nearly 2,000 fatalities have been reported in Lebanon due to intensified Israeli airstrikes, with thousands more displaced. Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire aimed at Israeli military sites near Haifa and Tel Aviv.
In a stark warning, a US official reportedly cautioned Iran that Washington’s ability to restrain Israel could waver should further Iranian attacks occur: “We told the Iranians: We won’t be able to hold Israel back,” the official stated, highlighting the fragile balance in the region as tensions continue to climb.
