The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has forcefully condemned "Israel" for what he described as a “dirty and bloody crime” carried out on Iranian territory, promising a resolute and decisive response.

In a message addressed to the Iranian people, Sayyed Khamenei declared, “To the great Iranian nation! The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. It has revealed its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas.”

He warned that the Israeli entity must brace for retribution. “That [Zionist] regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished,” the leader stated with unwavering resolve.

An important message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei, will be released soon regarding the Israeli regime's attacks against Iran.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025

Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that such aggression will not go unanswered, reiterating that the perpetrators “must be severely punished.” He stressed that justice would be swiftly served.

“The Zionist regime has committed a bloody crime in our dear country,” he said. “By committing this crime, the regime has set itself on a path toward a bitter and painful fate. This outcome is unavoidable.”

Successors to assume duties immediately

Despite the losses, the Iranian leader emphasized continuity and resilience. “Their successors and colleagues will take up their duties immediately,” Sayyed Khamenei declared, underlining that the attack would not hinder the country’s progress or defense capabilities.

This comes shortly after the Israeli occupation military confirmed early Friday the launch of a broad aerial offensive targeting Iran.

The ongoing aggression began in the early hours of Friday, targeting residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure across Iran.

Iran has a legitimate right to respond to 'Israel': MoFA statement

In a similar vein, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm statement asserting that Tehran’s right to respond is both legal and legitimate under international law.

The Ministry expressed condolences over the martyrdom of several Iranian commanders and officials, extending sympathies to Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei and the Iranian people.

Calling the attack a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the ministry stated, "The Zionist regime's attacks on Iran are a violation of Article 4, Paragraph 2, of the United Nations Charter as it is a clear aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran has the legal and legitimate right to respond to this aggression in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

It emphasized that "the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation with all their might and in a way they decide."

The statement also urged the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities, warning of a dangerous escalation. "The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a founding member of the United Nations, whose philosophy of existence is to prevent aggression, breach of peace, and threats to peace, emphasizes the duty of the Security Council of the international body to take immediate action to confront the violation of international peace and security due to the Zionist regime’s blatant aggression against Iran, and calls on the President and members of this Council to take action in this regard as soon as possible."

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted the role of the UN Secretary-General, stating that Iran "calls on him to take immediate action in this regard."

The statement also called on the broader international community, particularly Muslim and regional nations, to stand against the attack, "All member states of the United Nations, especially regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all states concerned with international peace and security are expected to immediately condemn this criminal aggression and take urgent and collective action to confront this dangerous adventure that has undoubtedly exposed global peace and security to an unprecedented threat."

Concluding its statement, the ministry pointed to Washington’s complicity, suggesting that the United States gave “Israel” a green light to carry out the aggression.

'Israel' assassinates IRGC cmdr Salami, Iranian nuclear scientists

Al Mayadeen confirmed that the Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami,  and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, have been martyred during the Israeli aggression on Iran.

Later, Iranian media confirmed the martyrdom of the Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, and his son in the attack.

Meanwhile, the advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, has been severely injured and has since been hospitalized.

Additionally, six nuclear scientists were confirmed killed in the Israeli aggression.

The scientists have been identified as Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, Seyed Amir Hossein Faghahi, Khalil Motallebzadeh, Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, and Fereydoun Abbasi.

The Israeli operation will continue for "as many days as it takes," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as strikes continue to target different areas in Iran.

IRGC mourns Salami, vows harsh retaliation

The IRGC mourned its commander, Major General Hossein Salami, vowing that "Israel" will pay "a heavy price for the crime committed with the knowledge of the American terrorist regime."

"The enemies should expect harsh retaliation," the IRGC underscored.

Iranian Armed Forces say response to Israeli aggression will be devastating

The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces underlined that "Iran will deliver a crushing and regret-inducing response to the perpetrators, masterminds, and supporters of this cowardly act."

The Israeli aggression targeted both civilian and military areas, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of several citizens, the General Staff said.