Iran’s new Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief on Tuesday warned that Tehran would “open the gates of hell” on Israel if it launched another attack on his country, saying any Iranian response would be “stronger” than the 12-day war in June.
Major General Mohammad Pakpour, appointed IRGC commander after the killing of his predecessor, Major General Hossein Salami in Israeli strikes on June 13, made the threat during a meeting with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al‑Araji, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
“The Zionist enemy relies heavily on its missile shield, and the Americans have deployed THAAD and Aegis systems at sea and in neighboring countries to stop our launches, we nevertheless launched our missiles successfully and hit the targets we had precisely identified,” Pakpour said.
“Today we are at the highest level of readiness, and if anyone dares to attack our country, our response will certainly be stronger than the 12-day war, and we will make them a hell they will not forget.”
The warning follows a surprise Israeli strike on June 13 that triggered a 12-day conflict, during which US strikes hit three major uranium-enrichment facilities in Iran.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has publicly praised Iran’s missile response to the June attacks, calling it a “shocking slap” that penetrated deep into sensitive Israeli centers.
He said Iran’s missiles - “ready with our armed forces and defense industries” - remain available and will be used again if necessary, reported state media.
Pakpour, formerly commander of the IRGC ground forces, was promoted to IRGC chief immediately after Salami’s killing. He thanked Baghdad for its role in curbing anti-Iranian groups near the border and urged full implementation of security agreements.
Iranian officials have combined defiance with reassurance since the ceasefire with Israel.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and other senior figures said the government has contingency plans for both ordinary and extraordinary situations and is fully prepared “if the enemy attempts any hostile trick or maneuver.”
Conservative lawmakers and defense officials said Iran has revised its tactics to strengthen deterrence. Mohammad Saleh Jokar, head of parliament’s Internal Affairs Committee, described recent military drills as realistic “training for a real war,” and said Iran’s battlefield experience has improved the armed forces’ technical and tactical readiness.
While senior commanders issued warnings, other officials emphasized restraint. Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, said it was unlikely that Iran’s enemies would attempt another “reckless move if they had any sense”.
He added that Tehran is “not seeking war”, but is fully prepared, and that its actions “this time will be completely different.”
