Tehran [Iran], April 11: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reiterated his threat of retaliatory action against Israel, following a suspected Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria.
The airstrike was just like an attack on Iranian territory, the religious leader said on Wednesday at a prayer ceremony to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Israel had made a mistake and "must and will be punished."
Khamenei is the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic and has the final say in all strategic matters. He is also commander-in-chief of Iran's armed forces.
Khamenei criticized Western allies of Israel, in particular the US and the United Kingdom. They should have stopped Israel's actions in Gaza, he said, but had failed to fulfil their duty.
"These governments have shown the world the evil nature of Western civilization."
Source: Qatar Tribune
