After Israel’s unprecedented attack, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on the countrymen to remain calm. He said, “I call on the entire nation to maintain their unity and at the same time trust the leadership. Unity is needed now more than ever.”
Meanwhile, the death toll from the Israeli attack on Friday morning has risen to more than 70 and at least 320 others have been injured. Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported this information.
The attack hit various military and nuclear facilities in Iran with missiles and drones. Several top military officials and nuclear scientists were among the dead. Major damage was caused in the capital Tehran, especially the IRGC headquarters, the Natanz nuclear facility and residential buildings.
Anger has spread across Iran after the incident. Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Tehran chanting “Down with Israel, down with America.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned, “Israel will face a terrible punishment.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attack a “declaration of war,” saying, “There will definitely be a response to this Israeli aggression. Our resistance will be strong, rational and strategic.”
Among the protesters, 62-year-old retiree Ahmad Moadi said, “How long will we live in fear? Now is the time for revenge. Our researchers, professors were killed – now they want peace talks again?”
52-year-old driver Abbas Ahmadi said, “If this beast (Netanyahu) is not stopped, our situation will be like Gaza. Iran should destroy him.”