Tehran warned that it would deliver an overwhelming response against Israeli targets if Tel Aviv undertakes military escalation against it, following missile barrages launched by Iranian forces on Sunday toward military targets in northern Israel.
Iran's Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that "any adventure" against Lebanon or the Islamic Republic of Iran will be met with an overwhelming and comprehensive response by the Iranian Armed Forces from any point they deem appropriate.
Tehran's warning came after the launch of three salvos of missiles toward northern Israel, according to Hebrew media reports — the first strike since the ceasefire came into effect on April 8.
Iran's Foreign Ministry explained that its armed forces' military action aligns with the right to legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, in response to Israel's repeated violations of the ceasefire and its persistent aggression against Lebanon and Iran in coordination with the US military.
The ministry also pointed to attacks over the past two weeks on Iranian ships and targets in the country's southern regions, as well as "maritime piracy against the Iranian people," according to the statement.
It stated that Lebanon is an integral part of the ceasefire agreement signed with the United States, holding Washington responsible for Israeli violations and any escalation in the region.
A Warning Message
Tensions escalated following the Israeli raid on Beirut's southern suburbs, which provoked angry Iranian reactions, followed by Tehran's announcement that it had targeted Israel's Ramat David Air Base with ballistic missiles.
Mohsen Rezaei, military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, said Iran's missile launch toward Israel was "a warning message to stop its hostile actions" in Lebanon, warning that any "new hostile act will be met with a stronger and costlier response."
Meanwhile, based on security assessments, Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced on Sunday evening the closure of the country's western airspace until further notice, urging citizens to avoid traveling to airports and to follow media reports.
Israeli Threats
Channel 12 reported that Iran launched three salvos of missiles toward Israel, including one salvo of four missiles.
The Israeli channel reported "damage" in the city of Tiberias, while authorities halted flight operations at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
In context, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported the cancellation of school across Israel, quoting Israeli officials saying Tel Aviv "will respond to the Iranian attack," while another Israeli official told Reuters that Israel would respond to any attacks on its territory from Iran and would consider it "an opportunity to renew its military campaign."