President Raisi Praises Attacks on Israeli Territory, Iran Prepares Sukhoi to Face Reply

JAKARTA - Iran's president praised the country's attack on Israeli territory in a parade Wednesday, while military officials assured readiness for an Israeli counterattack, promising a firm response.

President Ebrahim Raisi said the attack, entitled 'Operation True Promise', brought down the glory of the Zionist regime, while attending the annual military parade, while celebrating the success of last weekend's drone and missile attacks.

"This operation shows that our armed forces are ready," he said in a speech addressed to the regular army and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported by The Times of Israel, April 17.

In this Armed Forces Day parade, the Iranian military displayed various military equipment including drones and long-range ballistic missiles.

Tehran said last weekend's attack was self-defense, related to the attack on the consulate building at the Iranian Embassy Complex in Damascus, Syria last April 1. Seven IRGC members were killed, including two senior generals, in the attack.

Israel said it would retaliate, with its war cabinet meeting on Wednesday to discuss options.

"Every attack carried out by the Zionist regime (Israel) on our territory will be met with a strong response," stressed President Raisi, quoted by Reuters.

Meanwhile, Iran's military commander, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, said that any aggression against Iran's interests would be met with a firm response and cause regret.

"We are ready to counter possible evil acts, and what we demonstrated across the country today is a small part of our capabilities," said Major General Mousavi, quoted by IRNA.

Any aggression against Iran's interests will be met with a strong and regretful response, and if an enemy commits an act of aggression, "we will respond with more lethal weapons," he added.

Iran's armed forces are always ready to carry out missions in the best way, considering the enemies the country has, he said.

On the same occasion, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Air Force, Brigadier General Amir Hamid Vahedi, said that his fighter aircraft, including the Russian-made Sukhoi-24, were in the "best preparedness" to counter Israeli attacks.

"We have full readiness in all areas, including air and bomber ranges, and are ready to face any operation," he said.

It is known that direct attacks on Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) bases or nuclear research facilities in Iran are one of the options that Israel could use to retaliate. Targets outside Iran are also possible.