Iran Threatens to Use Stronger Weapons in New Attack Against Israel

Officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reiterated the 'certainty' of a new attack on Israel, with Iran's President stating that a potential ceasefire in Gaza will affect the intensity of this attack. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported on statements from Iranian officials in discussions with Arab leaders. On Sunday, November 4, the Wall Street Journal quoted several Iranian and Arab officials stating that Iranian officials have told Arab countries that Tehran's new response to Israel's attack will be 'a more complex and stronger reaction,' involving the military as well. According to this report, Tehran has emphasized in discussions with Arab diplomats that in its new attack against Israel, it will use missiles 'with stronger warheads' as well as 'other weapons' that it has not previously used. An Iranian official also mentioned to the newspaper that in the new attack, 'Iraq's territory might be used for part of the operation,' but this attack will be 'much more aggressive than the last time.' The Wall Street Journal notes that these threats come after Israel's recent attack 'shattered Iran's strategic air defense, clearly exposing it and significantly raising the risk of retaliation for Iran.' The Iranian official who spoke with the Wall Street Journal also indicated that Iran's new attack 'will occur after the U.S. elections, but before the new president takes office.' Iran has targeted Israel with extensive missile attacks twice in the past six months; the first time was at midnight on April 14, and the second time was on the evening of September 30 this year. In response to the first attack, reports emerged about Israeli strikes on some military facilities and targets in Iran, but Israeli officials did not officially comment on these reports. However, in response to Iran's second attack, Israel officially announced on the morning of November 4 that it had targeted military positions in Iran. Following this, various media reported severe damages from these attacks. U.S. officials have warned Iran that if it launches a new attack on Israel, it will face 'serious consequences.' On Sunday, November 4, IRGC commanders reiterated their threats against the United States and Israel, coinciding with the anniversary of the U.S. embassy takeover in Tehran. Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander, issued a written threat to the U.S. and Israel, stating they will receive a 'crushing response' from Iran and the 'resistance front.' In the official rhetoric of the Islamic Republic, Iran's proxy groups in the region are referred to as 'resistance.' Salami also reiterated threats against the U.S. and Israel in a speech at a government demonstration on November 4, saying, 'We will ultimately defeat them.' On the same day, Ali Fadavi, the deputy commander of the IRGC, stressed that Iran's response to Israel's recent attack 'will definitely' take place. However, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's President, stated that if Israel accepts a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, it will affect the 'type and intensity' of Tehran's response. He accused Israel of seeking to 'intensify the crisis and war' with the support of the U.S. and other Western countries. After Israel's attack on the morning of November 4, Iranian officials initially described the attack as insignificant and ineffective, with Ali Khamenei delegating the decision-making on the matter to 'officials.' However, the tone of the Islamic Republic's officials has hardened in recent days, with Khamenei also threatening Israel and the U.S. with a 'crushing response.' The New York Times reported a few days ago that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic ordered the National Security Council of Iran to prepare for an attack on Israel last Monday.