In Tehran, mixed emotions have emerged following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, the boldest move yet by the Islamic Republic in a year marked by escalating tensions across the Middle East. While some citizens expressed pride in the retaliation, others voiced concern over the potential consequences of further military escalation.
“They will understand. We will stand by the rule we established: Whoever attacks, we will attack them”–PM Benjamin Netanyahu
Iranian state media broadcast footage on Tuesday evening, showing what it claimed were 200 missiles launched toward Israel, accompanied by celebratory scenes from Tehran and other cities. \
Hundreds of people gathered, waving the yellow flag of Hezbollah and holding portraits of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week.
Speaking at a rally in central Tehran, Hedyeh Gholizadeh, 29, expressed her support for the missile strike, seeing it as a justified response to Israeli provocations. “We are ready to accept all the consequences, whatever they may be, and we have no fear,” she said.
However, by Wednesday morning, the atmosphere in Tehran had returned to normal, with residents going about their daily routines. Many, like Mansour Firouzabadi, a 45-year-old nurse, expressed growing anxiety about Israel’s promised retaliation. “If Israel strikes back, it could lead to an even bigger war, and everyone is worried about that,” he said.
Analysts Weigh In on Iran’s Bold Move
Experts believe Iran’s missile strike was a response to mounting pressure following several setbacks in its regional influence. Tehran’s allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, have suffered significant losses in recent weeks, with key figures like Nasrallah and Iranian commanders killed in Israeli strikes.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group explained that Iran’s decision to launch a missile attack was likely driven by the need to maintain credibility with its regional allies. “Tehran could not afford to remain passive,” Vaez noted. “Failing to respond might have eroded its standing in the region.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is expected to deliver a rare speech during Friday prayers, setting the course for Iran’s next steps. His last address of this magnitude came in 2020 after Iran launched missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq, following the killing of Qasem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike.
Fears of Escalation as Israel and U.S. Respond
Following the missile barrage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made “a grave mistake” and would face consequences. The United States echoed this sentiment, with officials threatening “severe consequences” if the situation worsened.
Despite Iran signaling that the missile attack was a measured response, analysts like Vaez suggest the conflict is far from over. “The final word in this confrontation lies with Israel and the U.S.,” Vaez said, noting that the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen could continue to fuel the broader conflict.
As tensions remain high, both nations brace for what could be a prolonged and dangerous escalation in the region.
