Israeli attack on Iran ‘could lead to large-scale war’: Tehran

The Islamic Republic has yet to carry out its much-anticipated response to Israel’s attack against Iran in late October

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran is fully prepared for any Israeli attack and that such an action could result in a “large-scale war.” 

“We are fully prepared for the possibility of further Israeli attacks. I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless action, as it could lead to a large-scale war,” the foreign minister told Chinese state media outlet CCTV in an interview aired on 4 January.

Araghchi emphasized, however, that Iran seeks a “diplomatic approach” and will consult with its allies on the matter, including China. 

“We believe that reason will ultimately prevail and prevent actions that could have serious consequences,” he added. 

Israel launched a missile and drone attack on Iranian military sites in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam during the early hours of 26 October, killing four Iranian soldiers. Tehran reported limited damage to some sites and radar systems, while Israel described the attack as a total success. 

According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report in early November, the Israeli attack inflicted severe damage on Iranian missile sites and left them “exposed to future attacks.” 

Tel Aviv was responding to Tehran’s launching of hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in early October, which targeted several Israeli military bases and was announced as a response to the assassination of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC Deputy of Operations General Abbas Nilforoushan.

The Islamic Republic vowed a harsh retaliation but has yet to respond. 

Araghchi’s comments to Chinese state media were aired as Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began a large-scale military drill – dubbed Great Prophet 19 – in the western Kermanshah province. 

The military exercise involves different Iranian special units and branches of the IRGC ground force. New military equipment will reportedly be used throughout the drill.