Iran Celebrates Successful Airstrike with Military Parade After Attacking Israeli Mainland

"Even Small Invasions Will Trigger Severe Retaliation" Warning

Iran, which attacked mainland Israel, held a military parade on the 17th (local time) to celebrate the success of their airstrike.

Iran Military Day Event
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency and others, the Iranian military held a 'Military Day' event at a military base on the northern outskirts of Tehran. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi claimed in his speech that the recent airstrike, named the 'Promise of Truth,' had tarnished Israel's honor.

He also warned, "This operation demonstrated our military's readiness, but its scale was limited," adding, "Even a very small aggression from (Israel) will trigger a massive and severe retaliation."

The parade showcased drones believed to have been deployed in the attack on Israel. Although the event is an annual celebration of Military Day held every April, it drew attention as it took place just three days after the attack on Israel. However, this year, the event was held on a smaller scale at a military base rather than on the highway on the southern outskirts of Tehran where it had been held in previous years, and there was no live broadcast by state media.

Earlier, on the 1st of this month, after the consulate in Syria was bombed by Israel, Iran launched a retaliatory attack on mainland Israel from the 13th to 14th, deploying over 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles. The Israeli military stated that 99% of these projectiles were intercepted through cooperation with allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and neighboring Middle Eastern countries. However, some ballistic missiles penetrated the defense system and struck the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, which operates the latest F-35 fighter jets.

Israel has announced a counterattack against Iran but is deliberating on the timing, method, and scale. Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari revealed debris from Iranian ballistic missiles to the media the day before, stating, "Iran will not escape punishment. We will respond at the time, place, and in the manner we choose." The international community, fearing escalation, is urging Israel to exercise 'restrained response.'