Iran claimed it has the capability to develop nuclear weapons as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning to Israel and the United States, vowing a “tooth-breaking response” for recent strikes on Iranian military targets.
Khamenei, 85, addressed students in Tehran on Saturday ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy takeover, saying, “The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States, will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front.” His remarks, released in a video by state media, appeared to reference Tehran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
The warning follows statements by senior adviser Kamal Kharrazi, who on Friday cautioned that Iran could adjust its nuclear policy if faced with a significant enough threat. “If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine. We have the capability to build weapons and have no issue in this regard,” Kharrazi told Lebanese media, as reported by Fox News.
Alongside an international travel warning, Iran has imposed a no-fly restriction over its airspace, effective from November 4 to 6.
Reports also suggest that Khamenei recently directed Iranian forces to prepare for a direct response against Israel. Iranian threats have intensified following Israel’s October 26 strike, which targeted several Iranian military sites and reportedly killed at least five.
