Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the country would “never compromise with Zionists,” in a series of statements posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We will show the Zionists no mercy,” one post read. Another declared, “the battle begins.” These statements came amid escalating tensions, as Israel claimed responsibility for strikes on a centrifuge facility in Tehran and other weapons sites during a recent overnight offensive. Iran also launched retaliatory attacks, with air raid sirens sounding twice in Israel overnight.

Israeli officials described their Friday strikes as preemptive measures aimed at hindering Iran’s nuclear capabilities, asserting that Iran was nearing a “point of no return”—though they offered no supporting evidence. International bodies, including the United States, have assessed that Iran has not decided to pursue nuclear weapons, maintaining that its weapons program was halted in 2003. Iran, a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and denies any intention of developing nuclear arms. 

Disclaimer: This video is taken from BBC News.