Iran warns of ‘vast destruction’ as Israel vows retaliation for missile attack
Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning to Israel on Wednesday, cautioning against any retaliation for Tehran’s recent missile strikes, which targeted Israeli military bases. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised swift retribution, escalating tensions in the region.
The missile barrage, which Iran claims struck three Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv, was described by Tehran as a “decisive response” to Israel’s actions in the region. The Revolutionary Guards reported that “90 percent” of the missiles hit their intended targets. No injuries have been confirmed by Israeli authorities, but a Palestinian was reported killed in the occupied West Bank amid the escalation.
Netanyahu warned that Iran “made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it,” and emphasised that Israel would respond accordingly. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that “Iran is not a warmonger, but it firmly opposes any threats,” cautioning against further provocation.
The United States, which had earlier warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack, described the assault as “defeated and ineffective.” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also issued a statement, warning Tehran of severe consequences if the situation worsens.
The attack follows Israel’s recent strikes that killed the top leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, leading Iran to vow retaliation. As tensions continue to rise, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have ordered more evacuations in parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, and are reportedly targeting Hezbollah positions.
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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
