Israel’s defense minister warned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues firing missiles on Israel after at least three people died and dozens were wounded Saturday morning, following a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and its armed forces.
Speaking after an assessment meeting with the army’s chief of staff, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Iran will pay a heavy price for harming Israeli citizens.
"If (Iranian Supreme leader Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front — Tehran will burn,” Katz said.
Iranian state television reported online that air defense systems were firing in the cities of Khorramabad, Kermanshah and Tabriz, signaling the start of what could be a new Israeli attack. Footage from Tabriz showed black smoke rising from the city, according to a video posted by an affiliate of Iranian state TV.
Israel’s assault used warplanes — as well as drones smuggled into the country in advance, according to officials — to hit key facilities and kill top generals and scientists. Iran’s UN ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded in the attacks.
Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below.
Israel's military said on Saturday that its fighter jets were set to resume striking targets in Tehran.
"The way to Iran has been paved," the military's chief of staff and air force chief were quoted as saying in an army statement.
The military "is proceeding according to its operational plans, and (Israeli air force) fighters jets are set to resume striking targets in Tehran," it added.
