President Pezeshkian says Iran will make Israel regret its folly

President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly condemned Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian territory, vowing that the Islamic Republic will deliver a response that will make the attackers “regret their foolish act.”

In a Televised statement released Friday, President Pezeshkian said Iran’s response to the “criminal” attacks would be “legitimate, powerful, and decisive.”

“The Zionist regime’s brutal assault on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, which led to the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women, children, military commanders, and nuclear scientists, will not go unanswered,” Pezeshkian declared.

Calling the attacks a violation of international law and human rights, the Iranian president said the strikes were evidence of what he termed the “criminal nature” of Israel. “This illegitimate regime has been built on occupation, aggression, and the blood of innocents,” he said.

Pezeshkian also asserted that the Iranian nation must remain united during this critical period, expressing confidence that with “trust, empathy, and solidarity,” a firm response would be carried out.

“Just as the Islamic Republic has always sought peace and stability in the world and region, it will act decisively when defending its sovereignty,” he added.

Read more: IRGC says will respond to Israeli attacks at the proper time and place

The Israeli military launched a series of coordinated strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities overnight on Friday.

Among those reportedly killed were key Iranian military leaders, including Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Major General Hossein Salami, Major General Gholamali Rashid, and Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.

Iranian military officials have indicated that preparations for a response are underway.

Regional tensions have sharply escalated following the Israeli assault, raising fears of a broader conflict.