Iran’s threat to use “a new secret weapon” if Israel retaliates

Abolfazl Amouei, the speaker of the national security panel of the Iranian parliament, stated on Monday night that Iran is prepared to utilize “a secret weapon it has never before used” and respond within seconds if Israel decides to launch a retaliatory attack. This statement comes after a massive aerial attack on Israel marking the first-ever direct assault by Iran on Israeli territory from Iranian soil. Iran codenamed the attack “Operation True Promise”.

This was a reaction to Israel’s airstrike that killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard officials, including key commanders. Iranian strike began on Saturday night and lasted for almost 5 hours according to United States (US) officials. Israel’s chief military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said Iran’s attack involved more than 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and more than 30 cruise missiles. he also said that 99% of the aerial threats were shot down, which was a strategic achievement. according to US officials, four missiles hit Israel’s Nevatim air base causing minor damage to a runway and building, where Israeli F-35s are based.

Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones, challenging Israel’s air defenses. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesman, said in a statement that 99% of the aerial threats were eliminated. Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedly spoke over the phone on Sunday. Minister Gallant reportedly stated that Israel has no choice but to respond to this weekend’s unprecedented missile and drone attack by Iran against Israel, with them also discussing the Establishment of a diplomatic and eventual military coalition against Iran.

The Chief of General Staff for the IDF, Herzi Halevi has just stated during a press conference at Nevatim Airbase in Southern Israel alongside airmen and pilots of the Israeli Air Force that, “The launch of so many ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response.”

Before arriving in Israel, a considerable number of drones and missiles had to pass via Saudi Arabia and Jordanian airspace. Saudi Arabia acknowledged its role in Saturday night’s defense of Israel against the Iranian attack, stating that they assisted the newly-formed coalition of the United States, Israel, Jordan, United Kingdom, and France to detect, track, and intercept the hostile contacts as they moved toward Israeli airspace. Israeli officials are looking for coordination with U.S. Defense and Military officials on strike options against Iran, despite U.S. President Biden’s repeated statements since Saturday indicating that the United States will not participate in an Israeli retaliatory attack on Iran.

You might also be interested in: Iran waives visa requirements for Indian citizens to encourage tourism