Iran’s president has warned that the “tiniest invasion” by Israel would bring a “massive and harsh” response, as the region braces for potential Israeli retaliation after Iran’s attack over the weekend.
President Ebrahim Raisi spoke Wednesday at an annual army parade that was moved to a barracks north of the capital, Tehran, from its usual venue on a highway in the city’s southern outskirts. Iranian authorities gave no explanation for its relocation, and state television didn't broadcast it live, as it has in previous years.
Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend in response to an apparent Israeli strike on Iran’s embassy compound in Syria on April 1 that killed 12 people, including two Iranian generals.
Israel, with help from the United States, the United Kingdom, neighboring Jordan and other nations, successfully intercepted nearly all the missiles and drones.
Tensions in the region have increased since the start of the latest Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, when Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. Israel responded with an offensive in Gaza that has caused widespread devastation and killed more than 33,800 people, including many civilians, according to local health officials.
Currently:
— British envoy says Israel is ‘making a decision to act’ as Iran vows to respond to any incursion.
— The G7 eyes targeted sanctions on Iran and a message of restraint as ministers meet in Italy.
— UN appeals for $2.8 billion to help 3 million Palestinians in desperate need of food and other aid
— EU leaders want to talk competitiveness. Middle East tensions and Ukraine top their summit list.
— Columbia University’s president will testify in Congress on college conflicts over Israel-Hamas war.