Iran threatens devastating 3rd missile strike against Israel

In April 2024, Iran retaliated for the assassination of two senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals in Damascus by launching over 300 missiles and drones at Israel. Then, in October 2024, following Israel's successful targeting of several key Iran-backed terror leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah, Iran responded with an additional 200 missile strikes. Now, the Islamic Republic is warning of further retaliation.

IRGC deputy commander Ali Fadavi issued a stark warning on Monday, stating, “Operation True Promise 3 will occur at the right time,” according to Iran International. Fadavi underscored the ongoing confrontation between Iran and what it perceives as hostile global forces, including the United States, calling them “evil-doers” who have been at war with Iran for years. His comments reflect the deep-seated animosity that has characterized the Iranian leadership’s stance towards both Israel and the West.

The escalation comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reinforcing the growing alliance between Israel and the U.S. in their opposition to Iranian aggression. Netanyahu, with unwavering confidence, declared, “I have no doubt we can and will finish the job,” referencing Israel’s ongoing military efforts against Iranian-backed groups and the broader Iranian threat.

The tide of conflict shifted significantly in Israel's favor after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, followed by months of intense warfare. A notable development was Israel’s counterattack after Iran’s second missile strike, which has been celebrated by both Israeli and U.S. leaders as a significant blow to Iran’s defenses.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount about the possibility of Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, which remain a point of significant concern for both nations and their allies. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei voiced strong confidence in his country’s military readiness. “Our capability to counter hard threats is at an excellent level,” Khamenei stated during a military expo in Tehran, asserting that the Iranian people are secure and well-prepared to face external threats.

Iran’s growing military capabilities are underscored by the recent remarks of Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Forces, who described Operation “Truth Guarantee” — Iran’s largest missile strike on Israel to date — as a response to Israel’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. He confirmed that “Operation True Promise 3” would be executed but emphasized that the timing would be crucial, urging that the opportunity to strike must not be missed.

As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, the world watches closely to see whether this cycle of missile strikes will culminate in further conflict, particularly as both nations prepare for what could be the most significant military clash yet.