Iran hailed its attack on Israel a success – as the state remains in a bitter conflict with Hamas in Gaza – at its annual military parade.
The parade comes after a weekend of violent drone and missile attacks.
It is a time where World War III fears continue to grow, with one particularly chilling scene unfolding at Iran’s annual show of military prowess being a “down with USA” sign.
Tensions between Iran and the West have been high over the past couple of years, but Israel’s strike on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus sparked fury and reaction from Iran.
The strike levelled the five-storey consular annex of the Iranian embassy and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals, reports the Mirror.
In a speech, Iranian President Raisi slammed countries that had “sought to normalize relations” with Israel, particularly during the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“These countries are now humiliated in front of their own people which constitutes a strategic failure for the regime” of Israel, he added.
The US has played a pivotal role in fostering peace between Israel and the wider world.
In 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco established relations with Israel under the US-mediated Abraham Accords, a move that was met with strong disapproval from Palestinians
“This operation showed that our armed forces are ready,” declared Raisi in a speech to the regular army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during a parade that showcased an array of military equipment including drones and long-range ballistic missiles.
Israel has not remained passive in response to Iran’s actions. Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari warned that Iran would not escape “scot-free”.
Raisi retorted on Wednesday, re-emphasising that “the slightest act of aggression” by Israel would be met with “a fierce and severe response”.
Every year, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day is commemorated on April 18.
