In a fiery speech on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Western nations to “get lost” from the Middle East, following Iran’s missile barrage on Israel. Khamenei blamed the U.S. and European countries for escalating tensions in the region, accusing them of falsely claiming to bring peace. His remarks came just hours after Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, with some penetrating air defenses and striking populated areas, including Tel Aviv.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly responded, declaring that Iran had made a “big mistake” and promised retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Israel would face even harsher attacks if it continued what he called “its crimes.”
On the Israel-Lebanon border, clashes continued between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, with Israeli troops intensifying their ground operations. Both sides exchanged fire as tensions escalated further.
The missile strikes and ongoing violence have alarmed global leaders, with France and Germany condemning Iran’s actions and pledging military support to Israel. French officials reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for an immediate halt to attacks by Hezbollah and Iran to prevent the region from descending into a broader conflict.