'Bitter And Painful Fate': Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Warns Israel Over 'Targeted Strikes'

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 08:59 IST

"With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate and it will definitely receive it," Khamenei said in a statement.

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (File)

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that Israel would suffer severe consequences after the latter launched “targeted strikes" on the Islamic republic on Friday, including Tehran and nuclear sites.

In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, Khamenei vowed “harsh punishment" for Israel after the airstrikes killed several Iranian commanders and scientists.

“The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement.

“With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate and it will definitely receive it," he added.

Khamenei confirmed that “several commanders and scientists were martyred" in the attacks, saying their successors would “immediately continue their duties."

The statement followed Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites in an operation called “Lion’s Power."

Israel Launches Strikes Against Iran

Israel carried out strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting its nuclear and military sites. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the “first stage" of their military operation is now complete, signalling a possible continuation of coordinated attacks.

Calling the offensive “Rising Lion," Israel said it also targeted Iranian commanders and missile factories, and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.

“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

Israel targeted Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb, its ballistic missile programme and its Nantanz uranium enrichment facility, in an operation that would continue for days, he said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami, Army chief Mohammad Bagheri and several top nuclear scientists have been killed in the Israeli strikes.

In response, Tehran has declared a nationwide state of emergency, according to state-run media outlets. Emergency services have been mobilised, and the Iranian military has reportedly been placed on high alert. The targeted killing of top military and nuclear figures has further inflamed an already volatile scenario.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran, Iran

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