Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warn Israel over more attacks

Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued a warning to Israel against more attacks targeting Iranian forces in the region.

Speaking in the city of Dezful at an event commemorating previous IRGC fighters, Salami said, “You saw in recent weeks how the Zionists, who constantly make mistakes in their calculations, were under the attacks of the IRGC missiles.” On March 13, Iran launched ballistic missiles into northern Iraq, claiming the target was a strategic center for Israel. The attack was in retaliation for two Iranian soldiers killed by an Israeli strike in Syria. In total, 12 missiles were launched, and Iraqi officials condemned the attack.

Salami continued, “We warn them to stop their wickedness, otherwise we will close these small holes that are open to you in the world.” In response to Iraqi criticism of the attack, Iran said that it has repeatedly warned the Iraqi government not to permit Israel to operate within the country, particularly in Iraq’s Kurdish region.

Addressing Israel, Salami added, “Be careful. We not only conduct funerals and processions for our martyrs but we will immediately exact revenge.” He continued, “This is a real and serious message, and if it is continued, again you will experience IRGC missiles.”

The missile attacks, which hit a compound in Erbil, caused considerable damage but no casualties. More than anything, they signaled that Iran has taken its retaliation against Israel to the next level. For years, Israel has attacked Iranian and Iranian-backed forces in Syria. The acknowledgement of two Iranians killed in a recent attack and Iran’s immediate response suggests that tensions will continue to rise, and that each attack and retaliatory attack will be publicized.