Iran is Cautioned by Israel's Defense Minister Not to Consider Striking, Lest it Become Like Gaza and Beirut.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a warning to Iran, suggesting that if the Islamic Republic contemplates actions against Israel, it may find itself in a situation akin to that of Gaza or Beirut. "The capabilities of the air force remain intact — no aircraft have been damaged, and no squadrons have been rendered inoperative," Mr. Gallant stated in a declaration on Sunday. On Tuesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the deaths of leaders from groups allied with Tehran. "Those who believe that a mere attempt to inflict harm upon us will dissuade us from taking action should reflect on our accomplishments in Gaza and Beirut." According to Iranian media, the nation has devised a strategy to counter a potential Israeli assault. "The plan for an appropriate response to any actions by the Zionists [Israel] has been thoroughly prepared," reported the Tasnim news agency, citing "an informed source" within the armed forces. "If Israel proceeds with an attack, there is no doubt that an Iranian counterstrike will follow." The report further indicated that Iran "has compiled a list of numerous Israeli targets," asserting that the missile attack on Tuesday demonstrated their capability to devastate any location of their choosing. This missile strike, marking Iran's second direct assault on Israel, was a response to an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut.

It also served as retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran, an incident widely attributed to Israel. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that Iran would respond in a "proportional and similar manner, and even more forcefully" should Israel initiate an attack. On Sunday, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad inspected a significant oil facility in the Gulf, amid escalating fears regarding potential Israeli strikes on Iran's oil infrastructure. US President Joe Biden advised Israel on Friday to refrain from targeting oil facilities in Iran, which ranks among the world's ten largest oil producers. On Sunday evening, the Iranian foreign ministry called in the Australian ambassador to Tehran, expressing concerns regarding what it described as Australia's partial position on Iran's actions against Israel, as reported by Tasnim. Ian McConville was summoned in light of his country's ongoing bias, particularly regarding Iran's reaction to what it referred to as "the Zionist regime," a term used to denote Israel. The Australian embassy in Tehran did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment on Sunday.