Iran shows off military drones, repeats threats against Israel

The Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated National Army Day on Wednesday by parading drones and missiles through the streets. President Ebrahim Raisi told attendees of the annual military parade that the smallest attack from Israel would trigger a “massive and harsh” response. The Iranian army’s faith and reliance on divine power distinguishes it from other forces, Raisi claimed.

The Iranian military launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel over the weekend. Most of the strikes were intercepted, Israeli officials said. Iran has accused Israel of attacking its consulate in Syria earlier this month, prompting the mass strike last weekend. Raisi said Iran’s strike was limited in scope and punitive in nature, according to the state media agency IRNA.

Has Israel said whether it will strike back? Iran’s attack will be met with a response, Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on Monday. The Israel Defense Force also approved offensive and defensive plans in response to Iran’s mass aerial attack over the weekend, said IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He did not say when an Israeli counterattack would take place. Many world leaders have condemned Iran’s attack but cautioned Israel against a direct counter-attack. Israel remains at war with Hamas, an Iran-backed terror group.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report on UN experts calling on Israel and Iran to de-escalate their conflict.