Will Khamenei Exact Punishment on Israel for Attacks?

Tehran, June 23 (NationPress) Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded on Monday, following the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, asserting that the retaliation against Israel, referred to as the 'Zionist enemy', will persist.

Describing the attacks as 'a grave offense', Khamenei cautioned against further provocations.

In a statement on X, he declared, 'The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a significant error, committed a grave offense; it must be held accountable, and it is currently facing consequences.'

These US strikes were a response to Israeli operations that commenced on June 13, targeting several locations in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, resulting in the deaths of numerous senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel. As reported by the Iranian Health Ministry, over 400 individuals have died and more than 3,500 have been injured in Iran. In Israel, authorities confirmed 24 casualties.

On Sunday, in Isfahan province, an Israeli drone strike tragically claimed the lives of three individuals in an ambulance, according to Iran's ISNA news agency.

The governor of Najafabad county, Hamidreza Mohammadi Fesharaki, stated that the vehicle was transporting a patient when it was struck.

He noted that all individuals onboard, including the driver, patient, and companion, perished.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to ongoing operations. 'Israel will persist in all efforts in both Iran and Gaza,' he affirmed, promising not to be 'entangled in a war of attrition.'

'We will not halt this historic mission until we achieve our objectives,' Netanyahu proclaimed.

In the meantime, the Iranian Parliament has cast a vote supporting the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a pivotal oil transit route, a day after the US strikes on Iran's nuclear installations, as reported by media outlets.

Any final decision regarding retaliation will ultimately lie with the country's Supreme National Security Council, under Khamenei's authority.

The parliamentary vote merely serves as a recommendation for potential action.

The US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—dubbed 'Operation Midnight Hammer'—in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz signify America's first direct involvement in the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel.

This military action has drawn criticism, with many questioning the absence of Congressional approval for such an operation.