Iran’s Defence Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, has vowed to strike back if the United States or Israel attack, following Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promise to retaliate against Iran for the Tehran-backed Houthi group’s missile strike near Israel’s main airport.
The Houthi group launched a missile that landed near Ben Gurion Airport, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in a string of attacks backed by Iran.
Netanyahu stated that Israel will respond to the Houthi attack and hold Iran responsible, saying, “Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran.
“Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters”.
Nasirzadeh emphasized Iran’s stance, saying, “If this war is initiated by the US or the Zionist regime (Israel), Iran will target their interests, bases and forces – wherever they may be and whenever deemed necessary”.
Iran has unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile, “Qassem Bassir,” with a 1,200 km (750 miles) range, amid heightened tensions.