The Iranian government stated that Israel and the United States will "pay dearly" for the attack launched by Israel in the early hours of Friday (13th) against the country's nuclear facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Israel will face "a bitter fate."
During the night, the Israeli Defense Forces struck dozens of targets on Iranian soil. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities across the country. The military claimed the goal of the operation was to prevent the advancement of Iran’s nuclear program.
Khamenei stated that the action reveals the "evil nature" of Israel. He also said that commanders and scientists were killed in the strike, but that successors would soon take over their roles and continue the work.
"The powerful hand of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will not leave them unpunished, God willing. With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself — and it will certainly receive it," he declared.
On state TV, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson General Abolfazl Shekarchi accused the United States of supporting the attack. He said that both Americans and Israelis would pay a high price for the bombings.
The United States denied any direct involvement in the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that "Israel took unilateral action" and that "the U.S. priority is to protect its troops in the region." According to him, Washington was informed but did not participate in the strike.
Rubio also urged Iran not to target U.S. interests.