Iran's top defense body threatens ‘firm response’ amid reports of possible Israeli attack

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran's top defense body vowed a “firm response” on Tuesday to what it called “hostile behavior” amid reports of a possible Israeli attack against Tehran.

In a statement, the Defense Council condemned what it described as an "escalation of threatening rhetoric and interventionist remarks" against Iran.

"Any aggression or continuation of hostile actions will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and determining response," it said, emphasizing that Iran’s security, independence, and territorial integrity are "inviolable red lines."

“Any aggression against national interests, interference in internal affairs, or action against Iran’s stability will face a targeted, proportionate, and decisive reaction."

The council warned that Iran "will not limit itself to post-action responses" and will "consider tangible signs of threat" as part of its security equation.

It said that escalation of "threatening and interventionist rhetoric" can itself be viewed as "hostile behavior" that will trigger a "proportionate, firm, and decisive response."

The message is unprecedented in that it does not rule out pre-emptive actions if Iran’s security forces detect a "tangible sign of threats."

The council was established in early August last year in the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel. It is headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, and its members include former security chiefs Ali Shamkhani and Ali Akbar Ahmadian.

It marks the first such statement issued by the council and comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

Speculation is rife that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a green signal from US President Donald Trump for a new round of attacks on Iran during his recent trip to Washington, despite the premier said in a television interview that Israel was not seeking escalation with Iran.

Israeli media have also reported that Netanyahu conveyed a message to Iran recently through Russian President Vladimir Putin indicating that he is not looking for fresh escalation.

However, Trump himself has made several remarks that have ruffled feathers in Iran, including comments last week in which he said the US is "locked and loaded" and will "come to the rescue" of Iranian protesters if the government uses lethal force against them amid ongoing protests in Iran over worsening economic conditions.

In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "escalating tensions in the region," while top security official Ali Larijani warned that the US "should be mindful of their soldiers' security" in the region in the event of an attack on Iran.