Israel Warns: “Tehran Will Burn” Amid Missile Barrage
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a grave warning on Friday, intensifying the rhetoric in an already volatile conflict between Israel and Iran. “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front — Tehran will burn.” His statement follows a dramatic military exchange that has pushed the two regional adversaries closer to full-scale war.
Iran Israel Conflict Escalates
The current crisis erupted after Israel launched a massive aerial operation dubbed Operation Rising Lion, striking over 100 Iranian targets across key military and nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Isfahan. According to initial reports, more than 78 people were killed in the Israeli assault, including top IRGC generals and nine nuclear scientists. The strike, which used over 200 aircraft and 330 precision munitions, was Israel’s most significant offensive in years.
Iran retaliated forcefully with Operation True Promise III, unleashing over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 explosive drones toward Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The barrage left three civilians dead, at least 172 injured, and multiple homes destroyed, particularly in areas such as Rishon LeZion. Air raid sirens echoed through major cities as civilians sought shelter, and Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport remains shut.
“Tehran Will Burn”: Israel’s Warning
Defence Minister Katz’s ominous warning was echoed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reaffirmed Israel’s determination to defend its people. Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to neutralize threats and hinted at supporting the Iranian public’s discontent with its leadership. Katz’s declaration — “Tehran will burn” — underscores the severity of Israel’s stance and signals potential escalation if Iran persists.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded defiantly, promising continued retaliation until Israel pays for the attack. Iran’s Foreign Minister criticized Western silence and warned the US, UK, and France of repercussions should they get involved, explicitly threatening their military bases in the region.
Global Consequences and Diplomatic Fallout
The conflict has already begun to destabilize the global energy market, with crude oil prices spiking over 10% due to fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Scheduled US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman have been suspended, with Tehran declaring them “unjustifiable” in the current context.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and EU officials have urged immediate de-escalation, but diplomatic efforts appear to be faltering. The international community fears that missteps by either side could ignite a much broader regional conflict.
As both Israel and Iran continue to prepare for further operations, the world watches closely. With stakes rising by the hour, Katz’s threat — “Tehran will burn” — may not remain mere words if the cycle of retaliation continues.
