‘Tehran will burn’: Israel's defence minister's stern warning to Iran as attacks continue

Iran-Israel conflict: Amid the deadly escalation between the two countries that also killed head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, Israel’s Defense Minister issued a stern warning declaring that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues launching missile attacks on Israel.

"If (Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front — Tehran will burn,” Israel's defense minister Katz said after an assessment meeting with the army’s chief of staff, reported The Associated Press.

Israel's airstrikes on Iran

The Israeli Defence's warning comes after the nation, on Saturday, June 13 launched airstrikes against Iran’s military targets and nuclear program, as well as targeting scientists and generals. Explosions were seen and heard in the capital city, Tehran.

Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below.

Israel's army said Saturday it killed nine senior scientists and experts involved in Iran's nuclear project. The attacks left 78 people dead and over 320 others injured, said Iran's UN ambassador.

Israel’s assault involved warplanes — as well as drones smuggled into the country in advance, according to officials — to hit key facilities and kill the top generals and scientists, reported the AP.

Nuclear talks with US ‘meaningless’

Israel's attacks have now cast a sense of doubt on the nuclear talks between the US and Iran, which was scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Following the attacks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson called any further nuclear talks with the US “meaningless,” according to state television.

Why are Iran and Israel at loggerheads?

Iran and Israel — long-term adversaries, have, for decades been locked in shadow conflict that shaped Middle Eastern geopolitics. Though both countries have avoided a full-blown war, the nations have frequently targeted each other through covert operations and, in Iran’s case, via proxy groups.

The escalation happened after Israel engaged in a war with Hamas, impounding Gaza and Palestinians in the process.