Israel Warns Tehran Will “Pay the Price” as Iran Retaliates Over Civilian Casualties
Israel Iran War
Amid escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a chilling warning Monday, stating that Tehran’s residents “will pay the price” for Iran’s latest missile attacks targeting Israeli civilians. The remarks came after an overnight barrage of Iranian strikes killed multiple people in Israel, deepening concerns of a regional war spiraling out of control.
Tehran and Tel Aviv Trade Fire Amid Rising Civilian Toll
The latest Iranian missile offensive was launched in response to Israeli airstrikes on military and nuclear installations deep inside Iran, including reported casualties among senior commanders and nuclear scientists. According to Israeli emergency services, five people were killed and 92 injured in the recent Iranian attack.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities claim over 224 people have died in Israeli strikes since hostilities began Friday, with more than 1,200 wounded. Iranian state media also reported at least five civilian deaths in central Tehran, fueling anger across the country.
Civilian Zones Devastated as Proxy War Goes Direct
For years, Israel and Iran engaged in a shadow war through regional proxies. But the current conflict marks a direct escalation, with residential neighborhoods in both countries hit. AFP images captured charred buildings in Tel Aviv and fires outside Haifa, while explosions were heard in Jerusalem as Israeli air defenses lit up the night sky.
Katz: “The Boastful Dictator Has Become a Cowardly Murderer”
In a Telegram post, Defense Minister Katz condemned Iran’s Supreme Leader, saying:
“The boastful dictator from Tehran has turned into a cowardly murderer, firing at Israel’s civilian front to deter our military operations. The residents of Tehran will pay the price—and soon.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this message during a visit to a missile-hit building in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv:
“Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women, and children.”
Iran Promises “More Devastating” Operations
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the overnight missile strikes were a “successful response” and warned of “targeted and more devastating” operations to come. Colonel Reza Sayyad, an armed forces spokesperson, declared:
“Leave the occupied territories because they will no longer be habitable. Even shelters will not guarantee safety.”
Iran’s President, Diplomats, and Public Brace for Prolonged Conflict
Addressing parliament, President Masoud Pezeshkian called for national unity in the face of what he described as “genocidal criminal aggression.” Despite reports of panic in Tehran, some residents vowed to stay.
“War is stressful, but I won’t leave my city,” said 31-year-old Shokouh Razzazi to AFP.
Trump: “Sometimes They Have to Fight It Out”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s military decisions but warned of retaliation if American interests were harmed. He reportedly intervened to prevent an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“We told the Israelis not to do it,” a senior U.S. official said anonymously to AFP.
Trump also urged both countries to “make a deal,” though he admitted, “Sometimes they have to fight it out first.”
Iran Halts Nuclear Talks, Executes Alleged Mossad Agent
Following the intensified fighting, Iran suspended all planned nuclear negotiations with the U.S., calling it meaningless amid ongoing airstrikes. In a further escalation, Iranian authorities executed a man convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad, while Israel arrested two individuals suspected of ties to Iranian intelligence.
Summary
The Israel–Iran conflict has entered its most volatile phase in decades, with direct strikes, civilian casualties, and diplomatic fallout intensifying by the day. With Tehran and Tel Aviv trading deadly blows and rhetoric, the potential for a wider Middle East war looms dangerously close.
