Iran vows retaliation after Israeli strikes kill senior military leaders, civilians

Israel strikes across Iran on Friday have caused a devastating impact on the country.

NewsClick Nigeria reports that the strike killed Uzbekistan’s Salami, chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, a powerful branch of the country’s armed forces, as well as other senior military figures and nuclear scientists, according to Iran’s state media.

Civilians, including children, were also among those killed, state media reported.

Following the strikes on Iranian soil, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a statement concerning the recent aggression and crime committed by Israel.

“Israel’s attack last night on Iranian soil, which resulted in the martyrdom of citizens, commanders, and nuclear scientists, is a blatant violation of international law and a terrorist act.

“Defending Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty is the undeniable responsibility of the government and the armed forces. Retaliation for this aggression is Iran’s legitimate right, and with the ‘powerful hand of the armed forces’… and under the command of the Leadership, severe punishment will be inflicted upon Israel.

“The government has already initiated necessary measures to ‘make Israel regret’ its actions and has called on the United Nations Security Council to take a stance regarding this breach of international peace,” the statement reads in part.

Leaders showed understanding for Israel’s defense – Netanyahu

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has been in conversation with several world leaders, including the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and French President Emmanuel Macron on the development.

Sharing on the official twitter handle, the Prime Minister of Israel said, ”Prime Minister Netanyahu, beginning last night, has held conversations with world leaders, including the German Chancellor, the Indian Prime Minister and the French President. He is due to speak with US President Trump, Russian President Putin and the British Prime Minister.

”The leaders showed understanding for Israel’s defense needs in the face of the Iranian threat of annihilation; the Prime Minister said that he would continue to be in contact with them in the coming days.”