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Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has authorized a military strike against Israel, aiming to intensify its response to recent escalations, according to Esmail Kowsari, a member of Iran’s parliament.
Kowsari, a former IRGC general, added that the response would be much harsher than the October 1 missile barrage that saw Iran launch nearly 200 missiles at targets in Israel.
“While certain government officials may believe we should not retaliate, these individuals, whether within or outside the government, do not make the decisions… This decision for a military response to the Zionist regime was made by the SNSC. Almost unanimously, or rather all members of the SNSC have agreed on a military response by Iran to Israel” he said in an interview with a Tehran website on Saturday.
On October 1, Iran launched its largest direct missile strike to date in the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, which Tehran labeled Operation True Promise 2. The attack, involving more than 180 ballistic missiles fired in two waves, was presented by Iranian officials as a response to the assassinations of key figures allied with Iran, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan. Israeli officials said to have intercepted most of the missiles, reporting minimal damage to infrastructure.
In retaliation for the strike, Israel responded on October 26 with airstrikes targeting Iranian missile facilities and air defense systems, resulting in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers and one civilian, according to Iranian sources.
“The plan, timing, and objectives of this action are left to the planners,” added Kowsari.
He also dismissed recent reports from the CNN, suggesting Iran might strike before the US elections, describing them as speculations.
“We make our own decisions and conduct actions, and no one has detailed information about the timing, location, or manner of the response.”
Regarding the collaboration between Iran’s military and regional resistance groups against Israel, Kowsari said that these groups may coordinate with Iranian forces ahead of the attack.
“The resistance groups in the region are aligned with our military forces in responding to the Zionist regime. Members of the Resistance Front may have input or suggestions before the operation, and this will be considered before the final decision. Therefore, Iran's military response to the Zionist regime, in coordination with the resistance forces, is certain, and we will definitely take action,” he added.
The Resistance Front refers to the alliance of armed militant groups sponsored by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Houthis in Yemen, and Iraqi Shiite militias.
