Tehran “explained” the reason for the threats to Israel

Iran's top diplomat at a meeting in Tehran stressed “the need for a show of strength and readiness to fight to prevent war.” He noted that fear or signs of weakness could provoke a military clash. Iran has asserted the right to respond to Israeli attacks to the extent and form they deem necessary.

Araqchi called Iran's operations in response to “acts of aggression by Israel” a “defensive reaction.” He stressed that Iran seeks to avoid expanding the conflict and is acting prudently. But “it is important to respond to the attacks to convince Israeli authorities not to assume impunity for attacks.”

Iran has expressed the need to respond to Israeli air attacks to prevent similar actions in the future and to prevent Israeli authorities from concluding that they can “attack the Islamic Republic with impunity.”